Gerakan Youth wants Putrajaya to walk the talk, sell private jets

PKR's Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli had in March showed the media photos of renovation done on the latest Airbus private aircraft purchased by Putrajaya. He said it cost about RM28 million. – Pic courtesy of Rafizi Ramli, May 11, 2015.With the public still upset over the rising cost of living compounded by the goods and services tax (GST), Gerakan Youth today suggested that Putrajaya dispose of its private jets to regain the people's confidence.

Youth chief Tan Keng Liang said while the government calls for the people to tighten their belts, it should also walk the talk by cutting wastage and costs.

One such measure can be by ceasing Putrajaya's use of "unnecessary" private jets, he said.

"The usage of private jets are undoubtedly costly. In fact, the disposal of the private jets now may also result in a profit to the government in view of the increase of US dollars against our ringgit," he said in a statement today.

The move will also ensure that the public understands unpopular decisions taken by the government, because the government would be seen as sharing the burden with citizens.

"If the government fails to show the public that they are also sharing the burden, all the measures taken by the government would be rejected by the people even if the measures taken are in the interest of our country," he added, acknowledging that Malaysians have yet to see any benefits from the GST since its implementation on April 1.

It is understood that Putrajaya has a total of seven aircraft, including an Airbus corporate jetliner which was purchased a few months ago for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's use to replace a 16-year-old business jet.

Last March, Pakatan Rakyat MPs claimed that Putrajaya spent US$8 million (RM28 million) to upgrade the new jet.

PKR Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli claimed the money could have been put to better use, such as building new homes for some 800 people in Kelantan affected by the December floods?

He had also said the government would have to spend RM690 million to maintain the newly-acquired private jet for the next 15 years.

Additionally, other expenses for the operation, maintenance and management of an older private jet for the next seven years would bring total costs for both aircraft to a whopping RM1.098 billion, Rafizi had said.

Najib's administration has been under fire by critics for implementing the GST without tackling leaks and wastage in the public delivery system, and for adding to the cost of living. He has also been criticised for handing out cash aid through the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) progrmame.

Chief among his critics has been former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who has called for his resignation.

Last night in Kota Belud, Sabah, Najib defiantly insisted that he would not bow to pressure for him to step down as prime minister, saying that he will remain in the job with support from Umno and trust from the people.

He also openly slammed former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the numerous times the older leader had called for his resignation.

"Obviously one voice (Dr Mahathir) cannot be greater than the voices heard from the crowd here, in Kota Belud and the mandate given by the people," he said, in another swipe at Dr Mahathir.

- TMI