Saturday November 13, 2010
SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has turned down an invitation to attend a function to commemorate Selangor Foundation's 40th anniversary as he is displeased over the high cost of the celebration.
State Secretary Datuk Ramli Mahmud said the Sultan had initially agreed to attend the function with the hope that his presence would inject new spirit for the staff and in appreciation of their efforts to help improve the performance of students from less fortunate families in the rural areas in Selangor.
However, he said the Sultan was unhappy over the high cost of RM300,000 involved and felt the money could have been put to better use.
"The Sultan said the money could have been used to bear the cost of studies of rural students and on their welfare instead," Ramli told a press conference after the state assembly meeting yesterday.
He said Sultan Sharafuddin felt the money to be spent on the celebration was too much and would not reap any benefits.
"He was initially excited about the anniversary celebration as he wanted to spend time with students who were getting financial assistance from the foundation.
"The Sultan also felt his presence at the celebration would motivate the students. However, he was taken aback when he was told of the high cost," Ramli said.
The anniversary, which was initially planned as a dinner, was changed to a luncheon but the cost was still high, he said.
It is learnt that Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, who is the foundation president, was unaware of the exorbitant cost of the celebration.
Khalid had proposed to cancel the celebration when he was told of the cost, Ramli added.
The event is scheduled to be held on Monday at Asrama Tun Dr Ismail in Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur
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