Salleh Said: We spent RM618,250 for books to counter criticisms

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government spent RM618,250 to print books to defend itself against criticisms over 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and the Red Shirt Rally.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Salleh Said Keruak (pic), in a written reply to Teo Kok Seong (DAP-Rasah), said the books were published to present "facts regarding the two issues" in the light of the "heavy political climate" surrounding the state sovereign fund and the racially charged gathering.

"The book titled '1MDB: Siapa Kata Tidak Dijawab' had 125,000 copies printed in three languages. The cost of each book was RM4.85, totaling RM606,250," he said.

The Department of Special Affairs (JASA) printed 100,000 books in Malay, 15,000 in Tamil and 10,000 in English.

Salleh Said added that the department printed 2,000 "Red Shirt Rally" books, costing RM12,000, or RM6 per book.

"The two issues had been politicised to the extent that it caused a significant effect on the country's safety and peace," said the minister.

Responding to the answer, Teo said he was "shocked" at the expenditure, which he described as a waste of public funds.

"The Government said it intended to cut costs, but it spent RM606,000 just to address one 1MDB issue," he said.