Najib Used RM409,767 in Public Funds for Daughter's Engagement
Friday, 09 March 2012 17:46PETALING JAYA, 9 MARCH,
Parti Keadilan Rakyat strategic director Rafizi Ramli today claimed nearly half a million dollars was spent by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak for the engagement of her daughter on June 17, 2011.
In a press conference at the PKR headquarters today, Rafizi (pic) also
revealed documents claimed as evidence that the Prime Minister had
misappropriated public funds for the ceremony.
"Immediately after the function, PKR leadership has questioned whether
the (cost of the) function was incurred by the people. Dr Tan Kee Kwong, a
member of the PKR Central Council had said that there is possibility that
the function was incurred by the people and paid through the Prime Minister's
Office," said Rafizi.
"Today we come forward with evidence to show that the function was
funded by Malaysians when the booking and payment were made by the Prime
Minister's Office," he added.
Rafizi said the total cost incurred for the event is RM409,767.
"The document is a document accompanying the catering book that
details the following costs:
VIP reception costs a total of 36 persons @ RM522 per person:
RM18, 792
The cost of a total of 862 guest banquet per person: RM309, 975
Operating costs: RM81, 000
Total: RM409,767
He added that while the Prime Minister is busy promoting the menu
Rakyat 1Malaysia to the people, but for his own daughter's engagement
ceremony, the Prime Minister prefers to serve food that is similar to the
royalties for his guests.
"Guests are not served with the menu Rakyat 1Malaysia concept, but a
similar to that of royalties which includes roast beef from Australia,
seafood and other delicacies beyond the ability and imagination of ordinary
people.
"It's nauseating when public funds are used to meet their desires and
tastes. At the same time, the Prime Minister had paid the consultants to
create an image of him as a leader who can have a meal with people and one
that exemplifies moderation, "he added.
He added that PKR has reviewed the allegations and can confirm that
the individuals named in the document are authentic and are professionals
working in their respective organizations.
He said the matter disclosed is not something trivial even if the
amount is RM409, 767 because it represents the government's complacency
which he says is rampant from the Prime Minister down to the ministers
whereby public money is used for personal luxuries.
"With this extent of exposures involving ministers and deputy
ministers, we feel it was time to set up a royal commission to investigate
abuses of public funds by the Prime Minister, ministers and deputy ministers
who have been exposed so far.
"This will be discussed with the partners in the Pakatan Rakyat to
bring this matter in Parliament next week," said Rafizi. - mD
revealed documents claimed as evidence that the Prime Minister had
misappropriated public funds for the ceremony.
"Immediately after the function, PKR leadership has questioned whether
the (cost of the) function was incurred by the people. Dr Tan Kee Kwong, a
member of the PKR Central Council had said that there is possibility that
the function was incurred by the people and paid through the Prime Minister's
Office," said Rafizi.
"Today we come forward with evidence to show that the function was
funded by Malaysians when the booking and payment were made by the Prime
Minister's Office," he added.
Rafizi said the total cost incurred for the event is RM409,767.
"The document is a document accompanying the catering book that
details the following costs:
VIP reception costs a total of 36 persons @ RM522 per person:
RM18, 792
The cost of a total of 862 guest banquet per person: RM309, 975
Operating costs: RM81, 000
Total: RM409,767
He added that while the Prime Minister is busy promoting the menu
Rakyat 1Malaysia to the people, but for his own daughter's engagement
ceremony, the Prime Minister prefers to serve food that is similar to the
royalties for his guests.
"Guests are not served with the menu Rakyat 1Malaysia concept, but a
similar to that of royalties which includes roast beef from Australia,
seafood and other delicacies beyond the ability and imagination of ordinary
people.
"It's nauseating when public funds are used to meet their desires and
tastes. At the same time, the Prime Minister had paid the consultants to
create an image of him as a leader who can have a meal with people and one
that exemplifies moderation, "he added.
He added that PKR has reviewed the allegations and can confirm that
the individuals named in the document are authentic and are professionals
working in their respective organizations.
He said the matter disclosed is not something trivial even if the
amount is RM409, 767 because it represents the government's complacency
which he says is rampant from the Prime Minister down to the ministers
whereby public money is used for personal luxuries.
"With this extent of exposures involving ministers and deputy
ministers, we feel it was time to set up a royal commission to investigate
abuses of public funds by the Prime Minister, ministers and deputy ministers
who have been exposed so far.
"This will be discussed with the partners in the Pakatan Rakyat to
bring this matter in Parliament next week," said Rafizi. - mD
