Between Homelessness and Moderation

Aliran is shocked to learn that Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Abu Hassan Omar had allegedly spent a total of RM77,642.07 on hotel accommodation and other related matters while waiting for the renovation of his official residence to be completed – incredibly at a time when the entire nation is facing a financial crisis and when ordinary Malaysians have been asked to tighten their belts.

We find this penchant for a lavish lifestyle rather distasteful and vulgar, particularly when the rakyat are constantly reminded to follow the (good) example of our leaders.

Such an atrocious example only erodes the confidence the people have in their leaders because the taxpayers’ money in this case was not spent prudently and judiciously.  Abu Hassan must be made accountable for his misdeamour.

Furthermore, at a time when Selangor and the Klang Valley in particular, are experiencing an acute water shortage, when thousands of people are without decent shelter over their heads, such indulgence in luxury will hurt the feelings of the affected people because such an amount of money could have easily come in handy for the larger benefit of the people.

Would the status and stature of the Menteri Besar be diminished had he opted to stay in his own private house while waiting for his official residence to be ready?  On the other hand, if he had stayed on in his own private home, this would have shown him up as someone capable of appreciating the mood and sentiments of the people he leads.

Finally, there’s no better time than now for leaders to show that living in moderation is not only consonant with the teachings of Islam and other revealed religions, but it also makes good economic sense.

P Ramakrishnan
President
18 April 1998