'Cambodia is set to buy a small fleet of Chinese helicopters that will cost the country nearly $200 million, senior officials say.
The Z-9 series helicopters will be used for disaster management and “to fight terrorism,” Finance Minister Keat Chhon told reporters Tuesday. He did not say how many helicopters are planned.'
$200 million! Paid by a country that receives half- yes, half- its income from foreign donors. Paid by a country that suffers little in the way of natural disasters or terrorism. And paid by a country where most can't access clean water, basic healthcare, housing and education.
The helicopters should come in handy in other ways, though.
Look for tycoons, who are invariably in thick with the armed forces, to summons the helicopters when they want a quick response and a good kicking given to poor villagers who have the gall to protest yet another land grab.
Look for tycoons, who are invariably in thick with the armed forces, to summons the helicopters when they want a quick response and a good kicking given to poor villagers who have the gall to protest yet another land grab.
Look too, for 'all gong, but no dinner,' type generals borrowing them so that they can get to tee-off in time. Watch also for a startling increase in the construction of helipads on the top of the ugly mansions of said 'all gong but no dinner,' generals.
It does make one wonder where politicians (worldwide for that matter) keep their brains!
ReplyDeleteToo, true! Although in other countries at least you can vote them out.
ReplyDeleteTheoretically, you can here too, but the reality is somewhat different.
This lot have been and will be here forever...