WHILE it was praiseworthy for Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for not wanting to pursue glamour by calling for a halt on the erection of billboards related to him or his Madani government nationwide, there are still “many large and dubious projects” that are being undertaken under his nose.
Firstly, it would be good if the PM is proactive to save the taxpayers’ money on roadside publicity and to stop the wasteful practice of promoting and overly revering/admiring (mengampu) the PM – especially if he has not consented or approved of their erection, according to veteran journalist and blogger Datuk A. Kadir Jasin.
“We surely want a PM and leaders at all levels who have integrity and dignity instead of those who are crazy about publicity,” the former Bersatu supreme council member penned on his Facebook page.
“But saving with small projects like billboards is not good enough. Many more large and dubious projects are still being implemented or planned.”
For example, Kadir said Anwar was recently reported to have given his blessing to the Sarawak state government’s proposal to establish a boutique airline specifically for the state on the grounds of reducing fares between the peninsula and East Malaysia.
“I am not sure what Anwar and the Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg meant by the ‘boutique airline’. If we follow the usual practice, the boutique airline concept is luxurious and charges high fares,” opined Kadir.
“A boutique airline is defined as an operator who differentiates itself from competitors by offering unique and special services to customers.”
According to a list of travel industry website, Skift, examples of boutique airlines include Singapore Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Malaysia Airlines (MAS), Korean Air and Emirates.
“So we already have boutique or full fare airlines. If the Sarawak state government understands the meaning of ‘boutique airline’ and still intends to establish its own airline, then the company should be on par with MAS or better but with lower fares,” justified Kadir.
“Then a study on the experience of MAS, AirAsia and Malindo (now Batuk Air) is warranted. The government has spent a lot of money on MAS and Malindo. Also there is a need to consider how many global airlines are actually profitable.”
Added Kadir: “Sorry if I say that once in a while, we have to open the folds of history. Sarawak has long enjoyed oil revenues – since colonial times – and had even once prospered with timber revenues. But has it succeeded in utilising those revenues to develop infrastructure and to diversify its economy?” – May 2, 2023
