PUCHONG: The plan by a ministry and an agency to attend an exhibition in Berlin drew firm action from Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as it involved 68 officials, Malay language portal Astro Awani reports.
Speaking to reporters after performing Friday prayers at Darussalam Mosque here, the Prime Minister said he decided to cancel the trip despite the fact that the group had already booked flight tickets and hotel accommodations.
He stressed that this move is a clear message to all that the Madani government will not compromise on actions that could waste public funds, while also reinforcing the commitment to reforming civil service institutions.
"For instance, there was an exhibition in Berlin, small in scale, but I noticed that out of the ministry and agency staff, 68 people had registered to go, even though only a small number were actually involved.
"So, I made the firm decision to cancel the entire trip, even though flight tickets and hotel accommodations had already been arranged.
"This is a clear message because we are talking about reform... Ministers planning overseas visits must present a paper to the Cabinet.
"Usually, we make reductions, determining if two or three staff are necessary and if not, they are asked to postpone or combine their visit with that of the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister. This way, memorandums of understanding can be signed to save costs," Anwar was quoted as saying by Astro Awani.
The Prime Minister said the Cabinet has decided that all new projects and overseas trips must be referred to the Chief Secretary to the Government or the director-general before being approved by the respective minister.
"I want to state that reforms within government departments, government companies, and agencies must continue.
"On Wednesday (Sept 18), at the Cabinet meeting, we were decided to be stricter with all government companies and agencies. Although the board has authority, sometimes the board makes decisions that favour their own interests.
"Therefore, all new projects and overseas trips must be referred to the Chief Secretary or director-general, and approved by the respective minister to ensure direct accountability," he stressed further.
