Loke’s wife at official meeting courts controversy

PETALING JAYA: A controversy has erupted over the wife of a minister who sat next to him during an official meeting with his Chinese counterpart recently.

MCA international communication and diplomacy bureau head Tee Ching Seng questioned why the Transport Minister’s wife was with him at an official meeting.

“Both parties held an official meeting on cooperation in the field of transportation.

“So, what is the official post of the minister’s wife?” Tee asked, adding that under international diplomatic courtesy, only the head of state or government could bring along their spouse in official activities.

But the minister’s aide, Chung Yi Fan, said it was the Chinese Transport Minister Li Xiaopeng who had invited Loke’s wife to join him in the meeting.

“Mrs Loke’s presence was in her official capacity and should not be questioned.

“She was officially invited by the Chinese government,” said Chung.

He, however, did not state the exact official capacity of Loke’s wife.

On Jan 26, Loke posted a picture of his wife seated next to him along with the Malaysian entourage at an official meeting with Li.

“Mrs Loke was indeed a member of the Malaysian delegation, in accordance to diplomatic norms and government circular,” said Chung.

He then cited the circular, which said that spouses may follow ministers and deputy ministers during official visits overseas which were more than a week.

The circular, however, does not specify if spouses may sit in during official meetings.

Chung also said that it would be a legitimate cause for scrutiny had any member of the Malaysian delegation attended other informal excursions, apart from official programmes.

In another statement, MCA secretary-general Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said according to her understanding of international conferences, the presence of Loke’s wife at the official meeting was “very unusual”.

“This question is reasonable as it involves diplomatic etiquette among statesmen,” Chew said.

“To my knowledge, if a spouse of a Cabinet Minister is a member of the visiting delegation, usually the hosts will arrange an official to accompany her to attend other activities,” she added.