Stop wasting money on souvenirs - CAP

The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) commends the move by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah requesting that neither he nor the Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim are to be given souvenirs when they attend official state functions. During these trying times, it warms the heart to read of the humility and practicality of one of our nation’s leaders.

He believes that our economy should be built upon the philosophy of inclusiveness and sustainability and has spoken out on the matters of income disparity, uneven distribution of wealth and petty corruption. The request made by him is a gesture that, while small, has the potential to go a long way by means of influencing other VVIPs and government agencies and departments in doing the same.

Every year a substantial amount of government funds are wasted on frivolous expenses at conferences and meetings. Instead, this money could be used to fund projects geared towards the betterment of the people.

We urge the State and Federal Government to emulate the Sultan of Perak’s actions and to channel the money used for souvenirs to more beneficial endeavours.

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S M MOHAMED IDRIS is the President of the Consumers' Association of Penang