Guan Eng questions govt’s RM38.5m cost to renovate PM official residence

The government should disclose the detailed renovation costing of the Prime Minister’s official residence which cost taxpayers a whopping RM38.5 million, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said.

The former finance minister questioned the government’s use of funds amid an economic recession during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the transparency of the tendering process.

“For a project that was approved only on March 19 but yet works can commence a mere 10 days later, gives rise to questions whether an open tender was conducted.

“If not, then where is the urgency until government procurement protocols are not complied with?” Lim said in a statement today.

Short of funds

The Bagan MP questioned the government’s spending priority at a time when it is experiencing short of funds, and why did the renovation incur such a high cost.

“Unless the costs are subjected to stringent scrutiny, the public has every right to question whether theRM 38.5 million could be better utilised for fighting the Covid-19 pandemic with more ICU beds, better treatment, medicines or even financial aid to those affected by the economic recession,” he said.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob came under fire after it was revealed that the government had spent RM30 million to renovate the PM’s official residence, Seri Perdana.

Ismail Sabri said the renovations were necessary for safety and upholding the country’s image as the residence is being used to welcome foreign guests.

Special Functions Minister Abdul Latiff Ahmad later clarified the total cost of the renovation was RM38.5 million, not the RM30 million reported by Bernama.

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'Nation's image rests with Seri Perdana's occupants, not RM30m renovations'