The use of a government jet by Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor for an official trip should not be questioned as it involved her security, said Federal Territory Umno delegate Affandi Zahari in his debate today.
"Rosmah's safety is paramount and if anything happened to her, it will only upset Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
"This involves the security of his wife. If anything happened to her, it will affect him emotionally," said Affandi.
The delegate then slammed the opposition for making such a big fuss over the issue.
In further defending Rosmah, he said the use of the jet was approved by the Cabinet and her visit to Qatar was an official trip.
"She was invited and it was an official trip. If she went on a holiday, even I will be unhappy," Affandi added.
Rosmah's use of the jet to attend the International Business Women Forum in Doha, Qatar, last month had drawn criticism from many quarters.
She was accompanied by Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, who is special adviser to the prime minister on women entrepreneurs and professionals; Datin Seri Siti Rubiah Datuk Abdul Samad, wife of Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman; Datin Seri Khamarzan Ahmad Meah, wife of International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed; and Datin Seri Che Kamariah Zakaria, wife of Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.
Affandi also defended the use of private jets by Najib and his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, saying they were busy men.
"This is not to show off. It's all about saving time," he said.
He added that this was one of the perks given to the country's top leaders by the people.
Affandi also defended the high electricity bill incurred by Seri Perdana.
"We are talking about the official residence of a prime minister. It has to be beautiful and bright. Big house, big expenses. It cannot be in darkness," said Affandi.
Last month, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim had said that the utility bills for the prime minister’s official residence in Seri Perdana came to RM2.3 million last year.
He said RM2,237,788.13 was spent on electricity while RM311,174.25 was spent on water.
Shahidan also said that the electricity and water bills for the deputy prime minister’s official residence, Sri Satria, last year were RM865,458.56 and RM99,264.03 respectively.
Affandi also defended the increase in electricity tariff, saying that the public must look at it objectively.
He said the electricity hike will not affect the rakyat.
"Those who will be affected are the manufacturers. What we need to do is to make sure they do not pass the burden to the rakyat. We must have a mechanism to ensure that it will not happen," added Affandi
comment
Affandi Zahari, you have become one super duper bodek ampu or apple polisher. What security does Rosmah need in a private jet? Who would dare to touch her anywhere she goes with her bodyguards around her? And why should Najib be upset should anything happen to her? He was not upset when she was not around during his tryst in Port Dickson. Isa Samad as Negri MB then will be able to give you all the details!
I suggest Rosmah to wear bullet proof vest and helmet, personal 24 hr security guards with CCTV all over here mansion? Don't worry if it makes here uncomfortable and sweaty, just tell her its for her own protection. Also, I suggest her to ride a military plane and don't her go shopping spree cause you never know mugger around the corner. How's that for safety,
MAS.... Najib is doubting your flight safety standards , thus he nor his wife will go on any of your flights. The rest of the country is not important and can take the risks flying MAS.
Meanwhile, Singapore's PM always flies SIA to official functions as he never had doubts on their national airline's safety.
Traveling with AirAsia is also not safe. Malaysians should all be using the govt jet
