By Boo Su-Lyn November 12, 2010
SHAH ALAM, Nov 12 — The Sultan of Selangor has decided not to attend a RM300,000 40th anniversary luncheon by state education welfare body Yayasan Selangor over its excessive cost.
The decision was made after the Selangor Ruler this morning learnt of the bill for the event, state secretary Datuk Ramli Mahmud said today.
“The Selangor Sultan has cancelled his intentions to attend Yayasan Selangor’s 40th anniversary celebration that will be held on November 15, 2010 at Asrama Tun Dr Ismail in Kampung Pandan,” Ramli told reporters today.
“He felt shocked and was very sorrowful when he was informed that the cost of the anniversary celebration this year was very high. “The cost of the luncheon is more than RM300,000. It is a waste and it is not beneficial,” added Ramli.
“He believed that the money would be put to better use for educational and welfare expenses, or to fund more poor students that is in line with the vision, mission and objective of Yayasan Selangor,” he said.
According to Ramli, prior to his discovery of the event’s cost, the Selangor Sultan had intended to attend the celebration to show his appreciation for the efforts of the foundation’s staff in helping poor children to get educated.
“The Sultan of Selangor believed that his presence at the event would invigorate the Yayasan Selangor workforce,” said Ramli.
The state secretary, however, pointed out that the Ruler was told that Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim had also not been apprised of the event’s costs.
“The Sultan of Selangor advises Yayasan Selangor to be more careful about managing its finances and to focus on the responsibilities accorded to it during its formation,” Ramli added.
Separately, Faekah Husin, political secretary to the mentri besar, claimed Khalid had proposed for the event to be called off.
“The mentri besar suggested that it be cancelled,” said Faekah.
Yayasan Selangor is a state education welfare body that transfers Bumiputera students from rural schools to schools located in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya and Sabak Bernam so that they can enjoy educational facilities more commonly available in urban locales.