The buzz all over town is the revelation that Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu was paid close to RM40,000 as advisor to former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Appointed on Aug 5, he was in the job for only 12 days as Muhyiddin resigned on Aug 16. It is unclear if the resignation was on the advice of Ahmad Faizal.
Now serving as Youth and Sports Minister, Ahmad Faizal received a pro-rated amount of his RM27,227.20 salary for 12 days, plus a one-month payoff for his termination notice. This was revealed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in the Dewan Rakyat this morning.
Here are five suggestions on how Ahmad Faizal can spend the money.
CROWDFUND ZIYAD ZOLKEFLI’S PREPARATION FOR 2024 PARALYMPICS
Paralympic Council of Malaysia president Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin suggested that the public start a crowdfund to compensate para-athlete Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli, who would have earned another RM1 million for winning the gold medal.
We feel this would send the wrong signal.
The crowdfunding should instead help the 2016 Rio Paralympics gold medallist to prepare for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
As the new youth and sports minister and vocal supporter of Ziyad’s, Ahmad Faizal could contribute to such a cause.
For the record, Ziyad was denied another medal and a world record at the recent Tokyo Paralympics as he arrived late for the shot put event.
REPAIR THE 4×4 VEHICLES IN MAXWELL HILL
As former Perak menteri besar, Ahmad Faizal should consider spending the money on repairing the Land Rover Defenders plying Maxwell Hill.
Maxwell Hill is the oldest hill resort in Malaysia, and with state borders opening soon, now would be the perfect time to repair the vehicles. Breakdowns are common, frustrating visitors.
Alternatively, he could set up an online ticketing system and beef up the Taiping Municipal Council website. The information regarding Maxwell Hill on the website is pathetic.
HELP FORMER ATHLETES START A CURRY MEE STALL
As a connoisseur of curry mee, Ahmad Faizal could use his expertise by helping retired athletes start food businesses.
He could ask Ismail Sabri to give reviews as he had reviewed ‘kerepek’ (chips) in the past.
TREAT SOME PERAK FANS TO MALAYSIA CUP ACTION
Once the National Security Council approves fans to return to the stadium, the former Perak FA president could donate tickets to fully vaccinated Bos Gaurus fans.
Ahmad Faizal, after all, was the president the last time Perak won the trophy three years ago, and knows how special the tournament is.
START A DIGITAL SERVICE TO HELP PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Earlier this month, Ahmad Faizal said there was a need to “strengthen the agenda for persons with disabilities”.
He also said welfare assistance, banking, food and retail should be accessible through digital services.
Here is his chance to walk the talk.
