KOTA KINABALU: The Federation of Hokkien Association of Malaysia president Dato’ Khoo Chai Kah last Friday night said the government should take the matter of integrity seriously as the 2013 audit report had shown that many government departments and agencies of the country had loopholes and that the government was not spending their expenses wisely.
“Purchasing was shown higher than normal price, construction projects are often delayed and over budgeted, and equipment purchased are often expensive, irrelevant and not utilized,” he said during the 40th anniversary and 21st swearing-in ceremony held at the Hakka Hall, here.
He said it was a big issue and that the government should take the matter seriously and overcome the problem.
Meanwhile, president the Federation of Hokkien Association of Sabah and Labuan Datuk TC Goh thanked Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman for approving an one-acre land to the federation.
However, he said the federation had yet to receive the grant as it was still under process, and he hoped the Chief Minister would speed up the process so that the federation could have the premises in the shortest time.
In response to Goh’s request the Chief Minister said in his speech that night that he would try his best to speed up the process of the grant for the federation.
Musa also called on the Hokkien clan to strengthen their commitment in assisting the government’s efforts to further boost the economy of the state as well as the country.
“I believe such a move will not only improve business ties, but will also increase the potential for trade and entrepreneurship, creating a win-win situation. This in turn will augur well for overall economic growth in Sabah,” he added.