Sultan, MB to give RM300,000 dinner a miss

By Rahmah Ghazali, Free Malaysia Today

SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor today reversed his decision to attend Yayasan Selangor’s 40th anniversary dinner on Monday, saying he was displeased to find out that the cost of the function would be exorbitant.

According to State Secretary Ramli Mahmud, the Sultan felt that the state subsidiary was being prodigal in wanting to spend RM300,000 on the dinner.

Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim would also be absent from the function, said his political secretary, Faekah Husin. “He was never informed about the cost,” she said.

The cost of the dinner was highlighted today by the pro-Barisan Nasional mainstream media.

Ramli said the Sultan was also disappointed that Yayasan Selangor had ignored his advice to instead hold a luncheon on a smaller scale.

“He was shocked and disappointed when informed that the cost to celebrate the anniversary would be so high,” he added.

He said the Sultan also advised Yayasan Selangor to spend the money meant for the dinner on education and welfare.

“The Sultan said the money should be used to support more students who come from less fortunate families in line with (Yayasan Selangor’s) vision, mission and objectives.”