Cost-cutting by Government

The various cost-cutting measures announced by the Government to combat rising costs following the fuel price hike is a step in the right direction.

It should be the fore-runner to more cost-cutting measures that could be introduced as time goes on.

The 10% cut of the Minister’s entertainment allowance is in my view, inadequate and should be higher.

As the Nation is going through difficult and trying times, austerity and thrift is very essential.

Leadership by example is what the rakyat expects and it is hoped that all State governments should do like-wise.

All Government departments should immediately put into practice all cost-cutting measures such as consumption of electricity and the usage of fuel by official government vehicles.

The practice of pinning corsages and giving souvenirs to guests at official functions should be discouraged though it may be trivial. Generous buffet spreads for functions should not be encouraged to prevent wastage.

From now on the message should be to economize and to spend very prudently.

However it needs also to be pointed out that although cost-saving is necessary it must not be at the expense of safety and health.

The setting up of the Anti-Inflation Council is appropriate to deal with the present situation and to introduce additional measures to fight inflation.