The Selangor delegation had flown to Kedah to attend the conference of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) chief ministers and leaders on Sunday and were spotted by The Malaysian Insider at the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport waiting to board the return flight this morning.
With the Selangor Menteri Besar were exco members Datuk Dr Hassan Ali, Teresa Kok, Elizabeth Wong, Yaakob Sapari, Khalid's political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Subang Member of Parliament Sivarasa Rasiah.
The group was seated at the boarding lounge, with other passengers waiting to board Air Asia flight Ak6347 to Kuala Lumpur, with no fanfare or fuss.
So unassuming was Khalid, dressed casually in a black-and-red chequered shirt and blue slacks, that most passengers did not realise he was the Selangor MB.
Nik Nazmi said although they were flying with the low-cost carrier, the state government had at least paid for express boarding for them.
However this came to nought as they were left at the end of the queue while other passengers rushed to board first.
The frugal attitude of the state government at these time of economic uncertainties will surely endear these leaders to the people, while bringing a smile to the face of Air Asia boss, Datuk Tony Fernandes.
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written by Lord Vader VI, January 19, 2009
written by Lord Vader VI, January 19, 2009
Those pariah umNO indons prefers 1st class flying... memang Boros Nasional !
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A smile to TF's face ? Hmmm.
written by Felix Renganathan, January 19, 2009
written by Felix Renganathan, January 19, 2009
"Nik Nazmi said although they were flying with the low-cost carrier, the state government had at least paid for express boarding for them.
However this came to nought as they were left at the end of the queue while other passengers rushed to board first"
Just goes to show that inspite of paying for express boarding, Air Asia didnt do much to honour that commitment by ensuring crowd control, or even a second line for express boarders. Oh well, I wonder what he's smiling about then.
However this came to nought as they were left at the end of the queue while other passengers rushed to board first"
Just goes to show that inspite of paying for express boarding, Air Asia didnt do much to honour that commitment by ensuring crowd control, or even a second line for express boarders. Oh well, I wonder what he's smiling about then.
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that is the kind of leader
written by amoker, January 19, 2009
written by amoker, January 19, 2009
Yes, it is not easy yet they are keeping the frugality in check. No driving in government cars with police outridders like those UMNO big wigs in KT.
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written by foodforthought, January 19, 2009
written by foodforthought, January 19, 2009
TAKE THIS umno/bn!!!! A bunch of self proclaimed vERY vERY iDIOTIC pARIAHS!
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I was on board too
written by apa nama, January 19, 2009
written by apa nama, January 19, 2009
i was on board on flight from Kl - aor and on board together with Khalid were Lim Kit Siang, Tony Pua and a few others. bravo!
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well done
written by Pop, January 19, 2009
written by Pop, January 19, 2009
this is the way what. if plane go down u think furst class passengers don't die ah? a fool and money easily part ways so all those snobs want to fly high class are actually low class. public money should be spent on public, not on public servants. how much has BN govmen cost taxpayers? kick out those BN moneywasters lah. just to have office in putrajaya already cost hundreds millions. whose idea? that ole man ah! but pak lah oso big spender. always go overseas for what? whn these people go oseas they make foreign malaysian staff act like servant, want to do this,want to do that...wives oso boss people around..now must check how thy spend money and where get money like Transparency international just asked..
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Kudos
written by eugene, January 19, 2009
written by eugene, January 19, 2009
I would still prefer those who are in office to make public their sources of income, simply they are accountable to the people who put them there.We dont need cosmetic changes, what we need is spring cleaning..
happy CNY and a better Malaysia
happy CNY and a better Malaysia
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"Frugal attitude?"
written by Chan Ching, January 19, 2009
written by Chan Ching, January 19, 2009
I like to know what the writer means by saying "frugal attitude". All in all I think the Selangor State Exco is
safeguarding our State money!!
safeguarding our State money!!
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written by yy, January 19, 2009
written by yy, January 19, 2009
Yes, this is how Selangor can get free water for poor... other states exco shall follow suit.
State government shall closely scutinize and well spent of people money at any time.
State government shall closely scutinize and well spent of people money at any time.
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Yes frugality is cool in Malaysia as well
written by Asam Pedas, January 19, 2009
written by Asam Pedas, January 19, 2009
This is the kind of leaders we want. Frugality is not only cool in US, it is also cool in Malaysia as well.
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Just curious
written by SoNaR, January 19, 2009
written by SoNaR, January 19, 2009
I don't know much about how economy works..but if everyone is being thrifty and hardly spends on anything. Even if they spend, they spend a trivial amount, won't it hurt the ecomony more?
Little money would exchanged hands and people will be poor. If no one is spending then businesses will not earn much and have to sack workers and close shop.
Little money would exchanged hands and people will be poor. If no one is spending then businesses will not earn much and have to sack workers and close shop.
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We support our lovely MB Selangor!!!!
written by Alex, January 19, 2009
written by Alex, January 19, 2009
Thanks to Tan Sri Khaled for safe guarding people's money.....not like UMNO..
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written by malaysianatlarge, January 19, 2009
written by malaysianatlarge, January 19, 2009
While what Consumer fists says may be true, the point is that they didn't just go for MAS first class. The Penang CM has also been seen on AA as well. Syabas to them.
I was a participant in a Malaysian Trade Mission overseas some time ago and sat at the 'back of the bus' while the honorable Minister, her staff (PA and assistants) even the RTM camerman and crew flew up the front (presumably at taxpayer expense). All of us paying a rather upgraded fare for cattle class were not overly impressed.
I do agree that if you pay extra for Express boarding, the staff should ensure you get it. The staff must also be brave enough to stop all the kiasu queue jumpers who barged in first.
I was a participant in a Malaysian Trade Mission overseas some time ago and sat at the 'back of the bus' while the honorable Minister, her staff (PA and assistants) even the RTM camerman and crew flew up the front (presumably at taxpayer expense). All of us paying a rather upgraded fare for cattle class were not overly impressed.
I do agree that if you pay extra for Express boarding, the staff should ensure you get it. The staff must also be brave enough to stop all the kiasu queue jumpers who barged in first.
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written by rocky, January 19, 2009
written by rocky, January 19, 2009
well done. walk the talk. win the hearts and minds of people. many people are cutting cost and why not an entity that is using taxpayers money.
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written by judge, January 19, 2009
written by judge, January 19, 2009
Can UMNO take it?
Absolutely no,they will only say this is propaganda put up by PR and a show only.
But have not we seen enough of ugly shows put up by BN? with business first class somemore dun need to queue.
Way to go PR, work unitely and you will sure wipe off UMNO typically next round!!!
Absolutely no,they will only say this is propaganda put up by PR and a show only.
But have not we seen enough of ugly shows put up by BN? with business first class somemore dun need to queue.
Way to go PR, work unitely and you will sure wipe off UMNO typically next round!!!
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to Consumers first
written by Pemetik Jagung, January 19, 2009
written by Pemetik Jagung, January 19, 2009
Consumers first - you should also probably check your own facts before questioning everyone else.
say what you like, travelling by AirAsia will never be as costly as compared to travelling first class on MAS. and there is no first class on AirAsia.
and i think it is safe to assume that the State Exco would have opted for a better priced AirAsia, because if not, why would they even take AirAsia? AirAsia is less comfortable, and without amenities on the plane. if AirAsia is more expensive, why would anyone want to take AirAsia?
in any event, it's definitely better than corrupt umno dogs taking first class MAS or flying around in private jets, all at the expense of the rakyat's money.
don't try to be the pseudo intellectual smart aleck you're trying so hard to be. give credit where credit is due.
say what you like, travelling by AirAsia will never be as costly as compared to travelling first class on MAS. and there is no first class on AirAsia.
and i think it is safe to assume that the State Exco would have opted for a better priced AirAsia, because if not, why would they even take AirAsia? AirAsia is less comfortable, and without amenities on the plane. if AirAsia is more expensive, why would anyone want to take AirAsia?
in any event, it's definitely better than corrupt umno dogs taking first class MAS or flying around in private jets, all at the expense of the rakyat's money.
don't try to be the pseudo intellectual smart aleck you're trying so hard to be. give credit where credit is due.
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check fares
written by rocky, January 19, 2009
written by rocky, January 19, 2009
written by Consumers first, January 19, 2009
comments by above.
well sir i do fly on a monthly basis both domestic and overseas. and usually i end up flying air asia cos on an average they are always cheaper than MAS. Off course there are times when Air Asia is cheaper.
but here is where you are missing the point. all MBs fly 1st or business class and if MB Khalid flew A.Asia there is no way that the MAS business class fare is cheaper than A.Asia on any given day which is what he is entitled to..business class(domestic..since no1st Class).
comments by above.
well sir i do fly on a monthly basis both domestic and overseas. and usually i end up flying air asia cos on an average they are always cheaper than MAS. Off course there are times when Air Asia is cheaper.
but here is where you are missing the point. all MBs fly 1st or business class and if MB Khalid flew A.Asia there is no way that the MAS business class fare is cheaper than A.Asia on any given day which is what he is entitled to..business class(domestic..since no1st Class).
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Thinker
written by antipode, January 19, 2009
written by antipode, January 19, 2009
Consumer first, good to see there are people who don't swallow everything on a hook.
In this case, however, I believe the MB and Exco scored a PR (public relations, not Pakatan Rakyat) coup just by being seen flying a BUDGET airline travelling thru LCCT, regardless of the details.
It is a gesture ... they are travellling the same way we would travel with our own money. If Khalid were to travel with his own money, he could easily afford First Class. He does own his own Lexus.
As we often hear, it's not just about doing the right thing but being SEEN doing the right thing.
Sure, booking Air Asia at last minute is not "cheap" but try booking MAS last minute and see?
Even if they get govt special fare from MAS (which I doubt, being pakatan), they would be seen to prefer the comfort of KLIA rather than crowded LCCT.
Also, the action is being compared to their Barisan counterparts'. Guess how Sarawak's Taib travels?
For effort, they deserve full marks.
In this case, however, I believe the MB and Exco scored a PR (public relations, not Pakatan Rakyat) coup just by being seen flying a BUDGET airline travelling thru LCCT, regardless of the details.
It is a gesture ... they are travellling the same way we would travel with our own money. If Khalid were to travel with his own money, he could easily afford First Class. He does own his own Lexus.
As we often hear, it's not just about doing the right thing but being SEEN doing the right thing.
Sure, booking Air Asia at last minute is not "cheap" but try booking MAS last minute and see?
Even if they get govt special fare from MAS (which I doubt, being pakatan), they would be seen to prefer the comfort of KLIA rather than crowded LCCT.
Also, the action is being compared to their Barisan counterparts'. Guess how Sarawak's Taib travels?
For effort, they deserve full marks.
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written by former BN supporter, January 19, 2009
written by former BN supporter, January 19, 2009
Way to go PR. I think yu deserve to fly with MAS or even on business class as it is your entitlement and head of state. this are all small money, we need you to revive all previous project to save real MILLIONS, re-negotiate failed projects , clieaness and re tar all bad road ! Good job PR and i can see you guys next to start the new govrnment
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A SMALL STEP, TAKEN BY A GIANT
written by Alien, January 19, 2009
written by Alien, January 19, 2009
I hope such act will continue for a long time. Even though it may only save a small portion of Rakyat's money, it is sure a feel-good factor that the Rakyat will appreciate. And knowing how distressing flying a cheap airliner like Air Asia is, you guys have shown that you are there to be with the Rakyat who can't afford luxurious first/business class.
I hope this will not mean that you guys are not opposing the Air Asia's Labu LCCT project!
I hope this will not mean that you guys are not opposing the Air Asia's Labu LCCT project!
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written by tricycle, January 20, 2009
written by tricycle, January 20, 2009
well done to the PR leaders. it is good to know that you are prudent in spending the tax payer money. and to idiot who doesn't know the economy.
here is economy 101, of course you need to spend to spur the economy but use your brain to think, don't use your knee cap to think. if you have RM2000 salary would it be smart to own a Honda Civic on your own? Sure you can pay RM1400 for 9 year-term loan. but this is clearly unprudent thing to do. how long can you sustain. you also need to spend on other thing, of course you don't want to be eating instant noodle for the rest of 9 year-term right? or do you?
sure the government can continue to spend money like their fathers' money, but in the long run if the money is not well spent it will not grow. so go and take economic classes, learn more about it rather than embarrassing yourself. it is ok to be stupid, but don't be stubborn and idiot.
here is economy 101, of course you need to spend to spur the economy but use your brain to think, don't use your knee cap to think. if you have RM2000 salary would it be smart to own a Honda Civic on your own? Sure you can pay RM1400 for 9 year-term loan. but this is clearly unprudent thing to do. how long can you sustain. you also need to spend on other thing, of course you don't want to be eating instant noodle for the rest of 9 year-term right? or do you?
sure the government can continue to spend money like their fathers' money, but in the long run if the money is not well spent it will not grow. so go and take economic classes, learn more about it rather than embarrassing yourself. it is ok to be stupid, but don't be stubborn and idiot.
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Wouldn't Mind at all....
written by LeeZ, January 20, 2009
written by LeeZ, January 20, 2009
I wouldn't mind that our Minesters, MPs or excos fly on first/business class, just AS LONG AS they TAKE CARE of us, the RAKYAT, First!!!!
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I don't mind Minister fly Business Class
written by Syarif, January 20, 2009
written by Syarif, January 20, 2009
It is something to appreciate when Menteri Besar and his Exco fly Air Asia once in a while (or permanently), but I really don't mind them fly in Business Class on premium airlines or being chaffuered driven in Mercedes Benz as they are entitled to it.
What matters more to is they eradicate corruption, stop excessive wastage including white elephant projects, restore human rights, put a strong foundation to survive and thrive in the challenging and changing global economy, treat and administer fair and justly, respect the rakyat as their boss rather than treat as their servant and create a true, united and harmonious multiracial society for the betterment of everyone (supporters, opponents and everyone in between).
For me, that should be the priority than flying LCC (use to love Air Asia, but I'm hating them since their KLIA East@Labu-Labi proposal)
What matters more to is they eradicate corruption, stop excessive wastage including white elephant projects, restore human rights, put a strong foundation to survive and thrive in the challenging and changing global economy, treat and administer fair and justly, respect the rakyat as their boss rather than treat as their servant and create a true, united and harmonious multiracial society for the betterment of everyone (supporters, opponents and everyone in between).
For me, that should be the priority than flying LCC (use to love Air Asia, but I'm hating them since their KLIA East@Labu-Labi proposal)
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written by Anak Selangor, January 20, 2009
written by Anak Selangor, January 20, 2009
I was on board too but during TK and Selangor trade delegation to Taiwan.....l noticably they flying business.... for for thought.. 45 min trip could do no harm in economy class
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Is this for real ?
written by Killer, January 20, 2009
written by Killer, January 20, 2009
I hope this is not like LGE's much published economy class flying from Penang to KL. But what was not published LGE and his entourage used business and 1st class when they flew to overseas using foreign airlines such as CX and the Emirates.
I would also be inclined to believe this if the exco bought Waja or Myvi instead of Camry 2.4V. But clearly a state govt bent on using luxury car would hardly use LCC if they could avoid.
I would also be inclined to believe this if the exco bought Waja or Myvi instead of Camry 2.4V. But clearly a state govt bent on using luxury car would hardly use LCC if they could avoid.
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Frugal attitude? Dont Think So
written by Dani Me, January 22, 2009
written by Dani Me, January 22, 2009
It just cosmetic. too cover up the money they spend on brand new CAMRYs for the MB and excos. PR sama saja, once get the power, misused it. Use public money for self comfort.
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I was sitting next to Dato' Abdul Khalid
written by Zack, January 22, 2009
written by Zack, January 22, 2009
I was there on the Alor Setar-KL route, and I was sitting up to the front (no Xpres boarding for me k), and Dato' Khalid took up the seat next to me. I greeted him (some passengers did as well), and talk a word or two with him, but obviously he looked soo tired that he slept during the entire flight. Kesian him, must be so much work and no sleep last night.
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To Consumer First
written by Zack, January 22, 2009
written by Zack, January 22, 2009
Please check the facts before you do any commenting. AirAsia departs at 8.35, the first MAS flight depart at 9.10. It is a mere 30 minute different, they could've waited for MAS but alas no, they go for AirAsia. And yes AirAsia fare are expensive for last minute booking, but MAS fare is atrociously more expensive, compare that lah.
About the Xpress booking issue, the Pakatan group was seated close to the back row in the waiting area chitchatting. When the xpress boarding was called (very briefly), they just started to go to the front when the airasia staff quickly announce that everyone can queue now to board. (They assumed no one took Xpress boarding from Alor star!). Thats the story, I was there ok, observing them, din't talk to any of them except a few words to Dato' Khalid.
Get the story right.
About the Xpress booking issue, the Pakatan group was seated close to the back row in the waiting area chitchatting. When the xpress boarding was called (very briefly), they just started to go to the front when the airasia staff quickly announce that everyone can queue now to board. (They assumed no one took Xpress boarding from Alor star!). Thats the story, I was there ok, observing them, din't talk to any of them except a few words to Dato' Khalid.
Get the story right.
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written by mikecheong, January 25, 2009
written by mikecheong, January 25, 2009
Good way to go. Even with express boarding, they still board last? TF should do something with its flight management unless it is the exco's good heartedness to let other passengers fight for a seat first.
Saving money is one thing, but i still think they should support the NATIONAL airline, not necessarily first or business class, even though politically divided.
Saving money is one thing, but i still think they should support the NATIONAL airline, not necessarily first or business class, even though politically divided.
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Bad boys from PR
written by casey, January 31, 2009
written by casey, January 31, 2009
O dear, these boys from PR are setting bad, bad examples by travelling cheap and discomfort. Little Napoleans (from Superscale G upwards), who travel business class and first class, don't like them at all for lowering standard!
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How MAS got bankrupt
written by vsp, March 10, 2009
written by vsp, March 10, 2009
Do you know how MAS got bankrupt at one time? Most of the time BN politicians and ministers and royalty travelled on MAS for free. They book their trips on credit but never paid back what they owe to MAS. And MAS being a crony-run business could not do anything about it. It's even worse during election periods. Imagine the number of trips taken by BN campaigner to travel all over the country on MAS planes without paying? This would send MAS earning into the red for any particular year that a general election is held.
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