Seri Perdana, PM's Official Residence Utility Bills More Than RM2.3million, Opposition Wants Justification

Parliament: PM's official residence racked up over RM2.3mil in utility bills

KUALA LUMPUR: The Prime Minister's official residence racked up over RM2.3mil in utility bills last year, prompting an Opposition lawmaker to call for the high amount to be justified.

Seri Perdana , Putrajaya Racks up a RM2.3million Utilities Bill

In a written response to Anthony Loke Siew Fook (DAP-Seremban), Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said RM2,237,788.13 was spent on electricity for the Seri Perdana complex, while RM311,174.25 was spent on water throughout 2012.

Shahidan also noted that the Deputy Prime Minister's official residence, Sri Satria complex had electricity consumption worth RM865,458.56, and water consumption of RM99,264.03 throughout 2012.

At a press conference in Parliament lobby, Loke called on both Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to justify the costs.

"For example, the White House in the United States is only about 18 acres, while here, Seri Perdana is 42.5 acres and Sri Satria is 18.16 acres.

"The White House does not only serve as the President's residence but also his office, but Seri Perdana is merely the Prime Minister's residence," he said.

Loke also proposed that Najib and Muhyiddin at least pay the goods and services tax (GST) for the utility bills of their respective official residences once the tax comes into effect on April 2015.

"The GST for Seri Perdana will come to around RM130,000. I suggest the Prime Minister at least pay this amount out of his own pocket, instead of making the taxpayers pay," he said.

BILIK TAMU KHAS, SERI PERDANA PUTRAJAYA

THE STAR