The Malaysian Insight

WHY was there an uproar in Parliament over the Timah brand of whisky but silence over the RM620 million leakages in public funds as highlighted in the Auditor-General’s report?, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman questioned lawmakers today.

“Were the same focus and criticism given to the RM620 million leakages which had taken place? It is hundreds of millions of the people’s money,” he said while debating the 2022 Supply Bill in the Dewan Rakyat.

“The House was silent but Timah became the biggest issue in the country,” he said, referring to the Malaysian-made whisky brand.

He said there has been little discourse on pressing issues in the country.

“All we hear about each day, over the last two weeks, was the Timah issue and the need to change its name.

“Did the special Cabinet meeting discuss the Timah issue? (They) decided to change the name in the Cabinet meeting.

“There were three ministers specifically discussing the Timah issue. That is simply for the name of a company which has existed in Malaysia for years,” he said.

He said the name of the company had taken centrestage over more pertinent issues such as leakages, corruption, high-quality jobs and education.

“So much time and effort (given) towards cosmetic issues. But the more important issues in the hearts of Malaysians are not given enough time,” he said.

Auditor-General Nik Azman Nik Abdul Majid said on October 28 that poor financial management by federal ministries and departments have led to
RM620.07 million in leakages of public funds.

Meanwhile, the company which produced Timah whisky, Winepak Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd, said the name references tin mining in colonial Malaya, while the man depicted on the bottle label is Captain Speedy, who is said to have introduced whisky culture to the country.

Winepak Corporation said it was with this historical backdrop in mind that the name “Timah” was used and that it had not intended to ignite any controversy. – November 1, 2021.