Minister ends up footing bill

STATE Secretary Saadillah Mursjid thought twice recently when Indonesian reporters wanted to treat him to a lunch to welcome his appointment.

He wanted to make sure they had enough money to pay for the treat.

The journalists assured him that they would all pitch in to cover the cost. At the end of it, the bill landed on Mr Mursjid’s lap.

With a smile, the Harvard-trained minister said: “Actually, I guessed from the beginning that I would have to pay for this, but reporters always give me the impression that they are rich.”