I sympathise with Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's frustrations in curbing graft. Look around and it seems like graft is the only way of life in Malaysia.

It is just amazing to know how much it costs to build a school guardhouse (area approximately four square feet) in the District of Larut Matang and Selama in Perak.

I have just visited my alma mater and was informed that all the schools in the district are to be provided a guardhouse at the school gates. The cost of building a simple guardhouse? About RM20,000.

The school authorities only need to acknowledge receipt delivery of these guardhouses. The district Education Department picks up the bill. Just imagine if there are approximately 50 schools in the district...

Upon further checks with my building contractor friends, it was estimated that such guardhouses (without piling) would only cost about RM4,500.

I wonder if the excess money goes to the District Education's Sports Club (like the MPPJ?). I wonder if the relevant authorities were aware of the cost factor before approving the projects?