The frequency and cost of foreign trips by Malaysian ministers have come under scrutiny.
Foreign Minister Mohammed Hasan led the pack with 39 trips, followed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim with 19, and Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz with 18.
In total, there were 236 trips costing taxpayers RM44 million.
Federal Territories Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa disclosed that most trips were for meetings of international organizations, such as the United Nations.
While some praised the government for transparency, questions remain about whether these trips benefited Malaysia enough to justify the expenses.
Concerns center on Mohammed Hasan’s effectiveness, with critics arguing that his role appears more passive and duplicative of Anwar’s.
Anwar’s advocacy on the Palestinian issue, though high-profile, has not resulted in tangible diplomatic breakthroughs, such as involvement in the Gaza ceasefire.
His position on Israel also appears inconsistent with Hamas’ stance, despite his claimed proximity to the group.
Claims that the trips help attract foreign investment have also been questioned.
Zaliha has yet to provide concrete details on investments promised or secured.
Anwar’s past statements about private companies funding the trips also raise questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Ultimately, the public is left wondering if these costly trips genuinely elevate Malaysia’s standing or merely display ministerial extravagance at a time of national financial challenges.
P. Ramasamy
Former professor of political economy at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and former deputy chief minister of Penang.
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I do not have any problems with PMX globe trotting inviting FDIs and I was impressed big names like Nvidia, Microsoft, Tesla, Google, ByteDance, Tencent and many more MNCs are coming to Malaysia to invest. PMX made a big mistake when he strongly supported Terrorist Group Hamas in their 23 Oct 2024 strike in Pro US Israel. How will Trump react to this support for a Terrorist Organization against his ally Israel? Will PMX's invitation to all the Big MNCs be countered by Trump to move away from Malaysia? Next the other Big problem is when PMX invited Palestinians Hamas Terrorist Prisoners Israel to migrate to Malaysia, will this NOT pose a great National Security to Malaysian Non Muslims/Infidels, which they had been Slaughtering, Raping, Bombing Israelis before they were locked up. With these Hamas Terrorist hell bent on destroying and bombing US / Infidel Plants & Properties, would it NOT DETER them from investing in Malaysia. PMX, with all the Hamas Terrorist Prisoners in Malaysia wouldn't it be a Serious Security Threat to all Non Muslim Rakyat & all Infidel US & China MNCs in Malaysia. This Nullifies all your visits to US & China seeking for FDIs.
Gravy and graft train courtesy of chameleon Anwar.