Fahmi dodges query on cost of MOH's lavish Raya bash

Summary

• Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil declines to comment on the Health Ministry’s expenditure for its Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

• The event, attended by the prime minister, is criticised online for its extravagance with performances by well-known artists.

• The cost of the Health Ministry’s Hari Raya celebration has not been disclosed, leading to public criticism, including from healthcare workers.

Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil declined to comment on public criticism over the Health Ministry’s expenditure for its Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration in Putrajaya yesterday.

Many described the event, which was also attended by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as extravagant. It featured performances by several well-known local artistes.

Fahmi, who is also the communications minister, said he was not invited and advised that queries be directed to the Health Ministry.

“In my own experience with the Communications Ministry last year and this year, we engage veteran artistes and a few others.

“As for invitations, sometimes artistes perform without charging any fees, or only a nominal amount,” he said during a press conference after the weekly cabinet meeting in Putrajaya today.

He added that during a previous collaboration with the Housing and Local Government Ministry, some artistes agreed to perform for free.

“But for that (Health Ministry’s Hari Raya event), I don’t have any information. You can refer to the Health Ministry,” he said.

Criticisms abound

The event drew flak online after photos showing an elaborate celebration were posted on Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad’s Facebook page.

Among the featured performers were pop diva Siti Nurhaliza and “Raja Pop” Jamal Abdillah, while a group of traditional Malay dancers also took the stage.

Dzulkefly’s post, uploaded before 11pm yesterday, attracted hundreds of critical comments, including from individuals believed to be healthcare workers.

“How lucky are those in the ministry – a feast fit for royalty, with expensive artists. If only that budget were used to repair rundown clinics, it would be better,” one user commented.

Another asked, “Aik, ada bajet pulak?” (Oh, suddenly there’s a budget?)

“If it were me, I’d be too embarrassed to throw a feast and post it on social media when the staff under my care are burnt out. But that’s just me,” wrote another.

“Food can be topped up, but when will the staff get topped up?” quipped another commenter.

Some even called for Dzulkefly to resign.

The actual cost of the Health Ministry’s Hari Raya celebration remains undisclosed as of press time.

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