VETERAN journalist and blogger Datuk A. Kadir Jasin found himself at odds with netizens when he disputed the “Madani Malaysia Open House with the Prime Minister” event which will be staged across six states as both a wastage of taxpayers’ money and mired in political agenda.
Not only that the six chosen states are those that will be holding state polls very soon, Kadir is also wary about the country’s financial climate with national debt and liabilities estimated at RM1.44 tril according to the revised Budget 20223.
“All the targeted states are on the Peninsula, of which three are under PH-UMNO rule and the other three under Perikatan Nasional (PN). In the name of national integration, at least one or both the Borneo states should be included,” the former Bersatu supreme council member penned on his Facebook page.
“It’s obvious that the states which are already done with their state elections, namely Sarawak, Sabah, Melaka, Johor, Pahang and Perak, are not included in the list. Not given face and priority at all.
“Even if the Malaysia Madani open house event is to be used for state election campaign, what’s wrong to have a little finesse? Don’t ‘wham bam, thank you ma’am” as in the song of the late Dean Martin.”
Netizen Amir Azmir fired the first salvo by justifying that “the taxpayers’ money is returning to their own pocket”. “The people’s money is not taken out to open a boutique bank. I haven’t even touched on errant and evasive taxpayers yet.”
Seesya MH sees no issue spending the money on the people for the Malaysia Madani open house is not a scam like the Jana Wibawa or 1MDB scandals.
“This is a public invitation. It’s only a small matter,” she opined with Monica Abdullah seconding her.
“It’s true that the taxpayers’ money is going back to the people. In fact, this should be the way. Why are there so many questions about how PMX (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) run the country? Different people have different ways so long as they don’t steal or rob others.”
Tommy Borromeo John reckoned that it is just a coincidence that the state polls are close to the festive spell that is celebrated by the majority of Malaysians.
“This does not necessarily mean that the open house event is a platform for politicians to canvass for votes,” noted the netizen.
“Just consider this as one of the platforms of the Federal government to broaden the relationship and strengthen friendship ties with the state governments under the PN administration as well as people in the six states that have not yet to have their state election.”
Daniel K Ragu alerted Kadir that when the Hari Raya open house hosted by the PM was held only in Putrajaya in the past, many people outside the Klang Valley made a fuss that it was too far for them to attend.
“When the PM only hosted such event in Putrajaya, many residents of these (six) states said they were marginalised … Doing this is wrong, not doing is also wrong … Or is it wrong that Hari Raya falls near the state polls? How about that, Pak Kadir? Can you explain?”
Aminuddin Mohamed also took a swipe at Kadir:
“If it’s the PM’s open house, then it’s reasonable to use government allocation; if it’s the PH (Pakatan Harapan) chairman’s open house, then it’s only right to use the coalition’s money; if it’s Anwar Ibrahim’s open house, then use the money of Wan Azizah (Anwar’s wife Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) or that of the son-in-law.
“It’s fine once in a while to allow people in other states to attend the PM’s open house. Shouldn’t that he so, Tok A Kadir Jasin?”
Tun Perak Tun Perak summed up best when he admonished Kadir for being never being satisfied with whatever Anwar has done for the country.
“You should tell us how to satisfy you, Datuk. Perhaps, we need to also invite the renowned statesman along so only will Datuk sing some praises (referring to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who is reckoned as Kadir’s idol).” – April 26, 2023
