Istana Sebilliong Ringgit

Last I wrote about the new palace for Terengganu, work was on-going and the cost had escalated to more than half a billion ringgit. Current status, same sources told, work on the istana is still on-going and the cost is fast approaching RM1 billion. Something is really wrong here. When construction of the palace was approved, the previous Menteri Besar had put a cap on the cost (the Agong's palace in Putrajaya had just been completed at less than RM100 million then), Current MB Ahmad Said was aware of this.

In 2008, Ahmad Said was made MB courtesy of the Palace. Many had expected Najib Razak to "correct" this mistake by the previous PM but he, instead, allowed the status quo to run its course. Perhaps that was a fair thing to do but come PRU13, Ahmad Said must not expect the palace to back him again. The reason is simple: there may not be a state government for BN!

Ahmad Said has to make sure he delivers as well as his predecessor Idris Jusoh delivered in 2008, if not better. At the rate things are going, that will be a tall order. It won't be a walk in the park for BN/UMNO in this East Coast state. Najib has a lot of work to do from now until the GE to make sure Terengganu does not go to his political rivals. The PM can start by demanding his MB to explain why the new Istana is trying to cost nearly as much as the new Istana Negara!

- rocky's bru