SHAH ALAM, 8 FEB: The BN Government’s move to invite the popular South Korean artist, Psy to perform at the Chinese New Year open house in Penang is not only wasteful but it is also contradictory to the government’s efforts of wanting to educate the people to live frugally.
Sungai Petani Member of Parliament, Johari Abdul said that the government, under the leadership of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, is on one hand urging the people to be thrifty and on the other hand, the government themselves are spending lavishly.
According to Johari, the move also clearly reflects the antithesis of what the government is educating the people.
Johari added that Pakatan Rakyat has no intention to stop BN from organising any program in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations however, they do not have to be wasteful.
“It is still contradictory to the government’s call, specifically Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in urging the people to be frugal in facing tough times, that is all. We are not opposing, it is just an opinion.
“The government has extended the BR1M assistance and the Early School Special Assistance of RM100 to students with the aim of helping cover the cost of the people’s livelihood.
“At the same time, the government spends RM2 million for Psy’s 30-minute appearance. That is clearly a waste although the government claims that the money if from the party and not from the people. But to me, it is still a waste,” he said.
Johari said this while commenting on Penang BN’s wish to invite the famous Psy, with his gangnam style dance, to perform in Penang.
This matter also drew a reaction from the Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng, who urged the people of Penang to wear yellow, green and red when attending the celebration.
Lim asked the people to wear yellow in support of Bersih, green for the environment and red for Penang.
The Chinese New Year open house organised by the Penang BN will be held on 11 February at the Han Chiang School field.
Apart from Psy, the event will also feature the famous local artist, Shila Amzah, as well as a Chingay performance, clowns, singing and dancing.