Expensive habits

From Pikiran Rakyat

Momon Syum's writing on expensive habits is interesting; it is worthy of contemplation, of undertaking and is a contribution to mankind.

Expensive habits could drive people to corruption or collusion.

The President has appealed for people be frugal. But, time and again it has come to light that end of year departmental budget leftovers are spent on unnecessary items. Is that not extravagance?

Here is another example. Suppose election funds were forever increasing. Is that also extravagance? Are the former ballot boxes stored for reuse in the next election? Printed documents could be cut down for more efficient use.

We should adopt "thrifty" habits and look for practical results which are less time consuming and ultimately productive and efficient.

This writer is convinced that only of 75 percent of the election funds are needed and the remaining 25 percent could be put to good use "training human resources" since some departments have long been infested with corruption, collusion and bureaucratic red tape.

Another example is in non-governmental affairs. Why do the so- called "building funds" (BP3) crop up every year to the chagrin of parents on tight budgets?

Could that also be called extravagance? Expensive habits breed extravagance.

AAN SUPRIATNA

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