It was interesting to read about Putera Umno's North Pole Free Fall Expedition headed by the same person who wanted to turn 'Mat Rempits' into the decent boys and girls of our society.

I have no qualms about Malaysians wanting to prove a thing or two to the world about our prowess in doing certain things. In fact, if they succeed I am sure we Malaysians will be equally proud of their achievements.

Looking at the group photo which appeared in some media, the Putera Umno expedition members seem to be a young bunch of skydivers. I do hope they have had adequate training and preparation for the jump tomorrow and are not overnight 'Mat Rempits' turned 'Mat Terjun'.

However, when it comes to grandiose expeditions like the one undertaken by Putera Umno, I do hope that they are self-financed and not funded by taxpayers money.

Taxpayers money should only be utilised by the government for the benefit of the people and not to finance someone else's ego trips cleverly disguised as an effort to promote Malaysia in conjunction with the nation's 50th independence celebrations.