Tall tales about his First's official visit to Tg. Tualang

When Pak Lah became PM, he said something about doing away with unnecessary fuss on official visits. But the standard 'rent-a-crowd' by local Umno and other BN leaders continued, which ensured attendance by party members, supporters, civil servants and even students, with transport provided, and officially paid for. Simple man, but not necessarily simple in taste, especially in the company of former Miss Malaysia, and the need for a new private jet when he took office.

Before Najib's visit to Tg. Tualang, preparations included meetings with local restaurateurs to decide on which one to be host. It seems Rm50,000 was mentioned as the amount which the chosen one should pay for the privilege! With no takers, a former MCA leader who is also a restaurateur, offered to host six tables for free, but in front of his restaurant. This involved new cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery to ensure they were halal. Never mind the usual requirements before a halal certificate is issued. Like the coffee shop operator in Penang who was going to keep his new chair sat by Najib, those items should be kept as souvenirs as 'used by PM Najib' preferably unwashed.

In the papers, Najib's ride in a bus in Ipoh (actually a customized coach with luxuriously padded seats covering the three sides of the back portion and placed with a coffee table, to make it almost as comfortable as in a karaoke room), and a bicycle ride in Penang, were highlighted. Someone actually said that he took a helicopter from Kampar to Tg. Tualang (was it true?) which was not mentioned in the news. Never mind the coffee table might not get the Puspakom or other relevant department's approval. Just like wearing safety helmets, the law seems to waive the requirement when ministers rode on motorbikes, especially in front of newsmen with cameras. Obvious mah.
Link