Regina Lee | Jun 18, 11
Malaysiakini
The Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu), raising eyebrows with its RM63.9 million price tag, has pointed out that the expenditure pales in comparison to similar programmes undertaken by multi-national companies.
In a blog posting on the Economic Transformation Programme’s website yesterday, it said that out of the total amount covering communications and consultancy work, only RM27.5 million was expended on communications.
Out of which, RM15 million went to communications regarding the Government Transformation Programme while for the same purpose another RM12.5 million channelled to the Economic Transformation Programme.
But without providing a detailed breakdown, the statement said that they embraced “open days, exhibitions, speaker platforms and other targeted ground activities, media relations, advertising, digital campaigns, investor relations, production of videos, brochures and collaterals”.
“The total communication expenditure to-date is RM27.5 million over a duration of more than 18 months, covering two highly intensive and extensive transformation programmes incorporating six National Key Result Areas and 12 National Key Economic Areas,” said the statement.
After providing addition breakdowns, the statement added that the expenditure on communications meant that annually RM9 million went to each programme, already a steal compared to what large corporations devote for similar programmes.
“By comparison, (advertising expenditure) Adex 2010 indicates that large Malaysian corporations spend anything between RM80 to RM100 million on the execution of communications programmes similar in scope or smaller to that of Pemandu.
“To ensure we keep costs low, wherever possible, Pemandu works with media owners directly on advertising opportunities.
“We also employ cost-effective small to mid-sized local agencies and freelance resources, to complement our execution of communications programmes,” it added.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Koh Tsu Koon had told parliament on Wednesday of the amount, also stressing that it was far less than what the private sector would spend.
Under-staffed Pemandu needed consultants
As for the balance of RM36.9 million, Pemandu said that it went to 38 lab initiatives attended by 1,400 people over a period of six to eight weeks.
Insisting that not all of the funds went to consultants, the statement said that a portion was also allocated for ‘operating costs’ such as renting venues , food and beverages and logistics.
“In the beginning, we engaged consultants to assist Pemandu as we did not have the staff strength, the requisite skill sets or the luxury of time to run these labs.
“We hired consultants for their abilities to question the status quo and current practices, offer world-class best practices that Pemandu could emulate where applicable, offer analytical and technical expertise over a variety issues within the GTP and ETP focus areas.
“During this time, there were many opportunities to transfer technology and skills to better prepare the team in Pemandu to subsequently lead, facilitate and manage labs,” it said.
As a result, Pemandu said that they can now manage the labs internally with ‘minimal help’ from freelance resources.
Malaysiakini had reported previously that Pemandu’s birth was the result of RM66 million worth of consultation, with a major portion of it going to the American consultancy firm of McKinsey and Co at an estimated RM36 million.
RM64 million is just payment for the con-sultants. The true cost is much higher than that. What about all the super scale government servants who are now “working” in Pemandu? They are still being paid handsomely by the national coffer over and above the fees paid to consultants. What about Idris Jala salary and perks? I am sure it is not part of the RM64 millions. If we add up all the other costs like business class travelling, club floor accommodation, meal allowances, rental etc, the real cost of Pamandu could easily more than double the amount stated. And what is the output of Pemandu thus far: Yes lots of exhibitions, labs, incubators, telling us IPPs contracts should be renegotiated, subsidies are distorting and should be removed, asking PM to officiate some projects (public or private) that have been decided. Now, tell us how the “work” of Pemandu has significantly made a difference to the life of ordinary folks like me? The same moronic work culture prevails everywhere. Just look the biometric project introduced recently. For that, they must cause a 7 hour jam at the link. Of course they will say biometric project is not under the Pemandu.
Well, while Pemandu might have saved some money but don’t forget, we also have people in Umno/BN who dumped money in the drain, such as the 1.8 million spent on Facebook pages and the lump sum used to create national email accounts for the rakyat. In the end it is going to be, at best, a zero sum game with zero net saving, if not, negative saving (deficit).
No matter what consultants, what cost you do
This country tak boleh with BN
The BN must retire from government administration (caused BN core/culture is corruption from toe to head, cant be clean anymore) in order for Malaysia next levell
THE BN MUST out of government administration
The BN must retire from government administration (caused BN core/culture is corruption from toe to head, cant be clean anymore) in order for Malaysia progress next level
THE BN MUST out of government administration
Just read their explainations..all lined up with the usual vast overpriced expenses….everyone digging and stealing as much as they can.
It seems that if they think the give an explainaton….no matter how rediculous…all are honest deals.
Go recall Najib go to the mosque and told Allah half truths…trying to fool Allah too..also an honest fella.
Trying so hard to get Anwar to do the same thing…to fool Malaysians and insult Allah..did not work. Anwar prefers a kangaroo court and go to jail.. than trying to fool Allah.
Lets never forget…who is the mastermind teaching them how to cheat and steal and buy up the country.
Karpal Singh advised him to repent for his many sins…as PM for 18 years.. as his days are numbered.
He repent…his sons’s wealth all taken away.
God will still throw him into the gutters…even if he repents..and be reborn …
(deleted)
It is no more BN..but devilish UMNO B party against DAP..keDAILan and PAS..in 13th GE.
“BERSIH” walk also make dirty by these tongue twisting rouges with the support of our very own…Donkey Kong…created by Mahathir….and used by Najib now.
Ibrahim Ali….Najib’s fearless….brainless..useless…poor soul..talk alot of nonsensical threats.
this Captha is simply too difficult with shadow words etc….suggest you select an easier method.
Yes I agree the BN should be retired from government as they have compromised too many important institutions of state.
Allow them 5 years to reform and Malaysia will establish a healthy 2-party system.
I agree with #4 HJ Angus that the Captha is difficult to read.
It’s making me squint eyed!!
I’ve been surfing plenty of other sites and the Capthas in them are a pleasure to read!!!
Back to the topic –
They are just wasting tax-payers’ money with all these cock and bull transformation shit.
All they want is to benefit cronies!!
Remember, we are headed for bankruptcy in a few short years!!
Does any Malaysian want to see the BN make this a reality?