YOURSAY | ‘Politics in Malaysia is an unending fashion statement.’

Johor MB says 5-figure price shoes were a royal gift

Apanakdikato: As a national/state leader and public servant, one should lead by example.

In Malaysia, we see current and ex-prime ministers, ministers and political leaders at both state and national levels being more obsessed with outward appearances and social status rather than true substance and principles.

We see them flaunting ultra-luxury vehicles, clothing, jewellery, watches and shoes, even as the country and rakyat are suffering economically.

Across the Causeway, the politicians dress and carry themselves conservatively in public, and there is never any controversy about them flaunting extravagant wealth and opulence, unlike their Malaysian counterparts.

Singapore's public and private sectors have strict guidelines about receiving gifts. While it may not be an issue in Malaysia, receiving expensive gifts in Singapore is a serious matter of corruption.

The results speak for themselves. Look at how economically advanced Singapore is today compared to Malaysia. The ringgit continues to weaken against the Singapore dollar.

Singapore politicians don't need expensive shirts and shoes or honorary titles to carry out their responsibilities well. They rely on their integrity, honesty, competency and love for their country and people.

Ruslan Bahari: Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, your motivation should be to improve the quality of the lives of Johoreans, particularly the lower income group and the urban poor.

This can be achieved by formulating policies that will bring investments to the state, encourage entrepreneurism among the locals, and assist the hardcore poor.

On the level of perception, perhaps, avoid wearing these opulent items in public at state events. Leave it to your private affairs such as family get-togethers or weddings.

It may not be wrong to own or wear them, but obviously, it suggests poor sensitivity to the plight of the people given the prevailing economic condition.

Vijay47: Like everybody always suspected, politics in Malaysia is an unending fashion statement.

No politician worth his salt would deign to be seen in anything costing less than RM6,000, except of course when he does his annual ‘balik kampung’ humility act to show that he is part of the rakyat.

First, we had a convict who even during his court proceedings would prance around in Armani. Then we have Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaacob who is more to be pitied than censured.

Can you imagine, a grown man going around town believing himself to be a male edition of Naomi Campbell in his RM6,900 Mickey Mouse outfit? And in case we missed the point, he did the catwalk at least three times. Once even overseas.

And now Onn Hafiz in his prince-ransom shoes. Of course, he will soon come out with a fierce warning that any unsavoury comment about what he wears on his feet would be disrespectful to the sultan.

Shoes costing “tens of thousands”? Does he eat out of them? Going by the quality of their contribution to society, appropriate footwear for political leaders should be horseshoes.

Dr Raman Letchumanan: Onn Hafiz, you are just months into your MB office, and you get a RM40,000 shoe to wear as motivation to work hard.

But I am sure during elections, you would have vowed to sacrifice and serve the rakyat, even as a state assemblyperson. Wasn't the MB’s post a priceless gift by itself?

By your own logic, it's best you don't work too hard. Just goyang kaki (shake legs), and you will get more shoes and other gifts coming your way to remind you to work hard. You have five more years to build up your wardrobe, from the feet up.

By the way, if you wonder why people from now on don't look up at your face when you meet them, you should know why. It is not out of disrespect, nor is it a sign of awe when they look down.

I believe the sultan had good intentions to give you a gift, but not to cast aspersions on high when cornered. You should learn to be discreet and learn how and when to speak. Of course, discretion in these times of ‘jihad against inflation’, is something even a fool will observe.

RedWolf4463: What are you expected to do when the sultan or any other political dignitary gives you a gift which raises eyebrows? What are you expected to do for them as a payback?

Please disclose other hidden gifts received from time to time and let the rakyat be the judge of the propriety of such gifts.

Years ago, there was a regulation prohibiting gifts of more than a nominal value from being received by civil servants, ministers, and politicians. Gifts above a certain value are required to be surrendered to the state. Are they all thrown out of the window by Umno politicians?

Sun: Indeed, don’t Public Service Commission rules require public servants to report/refuse gifts, especially of an expensive nature. Or are they exempt?

Can the relevant authorities explain? When exactly does a gift become perceived (by the law) as a bribe? Can MACC explain?

GreenLlama0921: All public officials must emulate the integrity of the late Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam (2002-2007). He kept a list of all the gifts he personally received and handed them over to the government in his retirement.

His view was that the gifts were given personally to him and that he received them because he was holding public office. Ask yourself if you were an ordinary rakyat, would you have received such gifts?

MarioT: You are entitled to luxuries using your own income like everyone who can afford it.

However, accepting gifts or rewards from anyone while being a public servant, only gives in to speculation and distrust.

If the 'reward' in the form of cash or in kind comes from the government for exemplary service, then it is normally accepted practice.

Remember, you are a public servant in charge of the state and your conduct must always be seen as being fair, just and honest in executing your duties. The same goes for your staff as well.

Siva1967: Gratification in any form is not acceptable, especially when the receiver is a public servant and a public figure.

You are receiving it not because you are Onn Hafiz but because you are the MB. There should be a distinct line between the two.

Every Chinese New Year, I will receive hampers from suppliers and vendors of the company I work for. However, those are given to me not because I am Siva but because I am the company’s administration manager and they are “appeasing” me for future "favours".

I will always inform them to take it back because I am not in a position to accept it. Thank you very much but no thank you.

OrangeJaguar9341: Why does the MB's office need "gifts" from external sources to motivate them to work hard?

Even in my company, every gift above a nominal sum would have to be politely declined or if not possible, be surrendered to the company.

Why? Because we aim to act with honesty, integrity, equality and transparency at all times.

Federal Bakery: A house for that price (RM40,000) will shelter up to six persons in a family, even more in these times. There will be space to cook, eat, bathe, sleep and be together as a family.

There will be space even to pray and give thanks for the gift of a home. At the doorstep, there will be space to keep a rack for the shoes and slippers that you will not wear in the house.

But the MB will wear shoes that can buy a home. For what? Motivation to sidestep the work he is supposed to do?

PK5001: Why do these half-past six politicians need to flaunt their wealth when the rakyat are struggling to survive? Are there any politicians who have dedicated their lives to serving the rakyat and foregoing unexplained wealth?

Unfortunately, the rakyat are either ill-informed or apathetic or perhaps easily manipulated to keep voting for these self-serving parasites. Perhaps we get what we deserve. Sigh.

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