Dr M shoots down PM's jet defence
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's claim that a new government jet is needed for the safety of the prime minister and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is untenable, says Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
"Is it going to stop the kidnapping and casual invasions of Sabah or smuggling of arms from across the northern border?
"Or is the security confined to people flying in private jets only?
"This country is being attacked repeatedly by terrorists who killed our police and soldiers. Is this the normal state of things or is this a security problem?
"If we care for security do we buy luxury private jets? It is shameful that we cannot even ensure the safety of our citizens," Mahathir said in a blog post.
The former prime minister was referring to the Lahad Datu incursion in February 2013 and the subsequent kidnapping-spree in Sabah, perpetrated by militants from Southern Philippines.
The most recent incident happened on May 14, which saw the abduction of two Malaysians at a waterfront restaurant in Sandakan.
This was despite the formation of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), which cost taxpayers RM660 million a year to run, by the Najib administration in March 2013.
Hefty price tag
On Sunday, Najib published a FAQ in his blog which, among others, addressed controversies surrounding Putrajaya's decision to acquire a new Airbus ACJ320.
According to Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, the plane comes with a half-a-billion ringgit price tag and will generate a RM690 million maintenance bill over a period of 15 years.
Najib said having an official jet for the head of state was the norm worldwide.
He added that it was not a sign of luxury, but the plane has been configured for holding meetings.
He said the new jet will be replacing the 16-year-old Boeing 737 BBJ, which had safety issues due to its age and incurred a hefty maintenance bill.
He added that the country could not compromise on the safety of the government jet's passengers.
For more news and views that matter, subscribe and support independent media for only RM0.36 sen a day:
Subscribe now