Why buy helicopters amid the difficult time?

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's decision to put on hold the copter purchase is impressive. He is applauded by the people. The people will be very grateful if the government spends the RM1.6 billion the right way.

However, the money is going to be used to purchase 12 helicopters? Never say how well the helicopters can perform. Is it possible that they can fly in the sky, dive in the water, drill holes, fall in love and save lives like in the film Transformers?

They are not so marvellous, right? Not to mention that no physical evaluation tests have been conducted on the helicopters.

Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusof said there was no need to conduct a physical evaluation test as the Royal Malaysian Air Force has the helicopters' complete technical data and documentation.

I have heard before that we can just put a tick on a booklet to buy plastic containers, water bottles and steel pots. It turns out that our Ministry of Defence is actually using the same method to buy something costs over a billion ringgit.

However, experts tell you that it is better to compare prices of different manufacturers before purchasing a car. You should first list down a few car models you like, compare their appearances, performances, spare parts supply and after-sales services.

It is important to carry out a test drive to see whether the steering wheel is light and accurate, whether the engine is powerful, whether the seat is comfortable, the gears are smooth, the car is stable on road, and the brakes are functioning well and so on.

If everything is satisfactory, you still have to compare the prices. How could you buy it at RM55,000 while the others purchase it at RM50,000?

Other countries bought these cougar helicopters at a cheaper price. Brazil spent only RM84 million to buy one while Malaysia has to spend 130 million. We must make it clear why there is such a huge difference?

Of course it is good to be high-tech, high-performance and multi-purpose. But we should ask ourselves whether it is necessary for us?

Buying expensive helicopters should not be a national priority. Thank you Abdullah for helping the country save RM1.6 billion in the current difficult time. (By TAY TIAN YAN/Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/Sin Chew Daily)