Closure of several gov't departments and agencies a 'punishment' to the people: Umno

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has described the decision by the Pakatan Rakyat (PH) government to dissolve several government departments and agencies as a form of a 'punishment' to the people.
The party, via a statement by the Strategic Communications Unit at its headquarters, said the allegation that the agencies were used as political tools was untrue.
"The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) was specifically set up to monitor land public transport systems, and the overlapping of its functions with the Road Transport Department (RTD) does not arise at all," the statement said.
The statement added that while it may be true that the government could save about RM500 million a year after dismissing all the agency's personnel, its decision to scrap all tolls was counterproductive, which according to Moody's, would involve very high compensation.
"We regret that as employees at these agencies look to celebrate Aidilfitri, they have been 'rewarded' with a decision to strip them of their rice bowl.
"We think it is only appropriate that the workers be absorbed into other government departments and agencies, and not just let them lose their source of income overnight," it said, adding the PH government should use their power for the benefit of the people, rather than showing power by imposing 'irrational' decisions.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad after chairing the first Cabinet meeting announced the disbandment of several government agencies such as SPAD, National Professor's Council (MPN), Special Affairs Department (JASA) and Federal Village Development and Security Committee (JKKP). — Bernama