KUALA LUMPUR: The government spent an estimated RM12mil to host the 46th Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (Aipa) General Assembly this year, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said the expenditure covered meeting venue rental, accommodation, meals, transport and logistics for delegates.
Azalina added that it was carried out in compliance with financial procedures and prudent spending practices.
“In line with the Aipa Statute, the host country is required to bear the costs for the head of delegation and spouse, 15 parliamentarians and two secretaries from each Aipa member country,” she said in a written parliamentary reply on Wednesday (Oct 15).
Azalina said the amount also included expenses for related meetings, such as the Coordination Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of Aipa (Waipa) held from April 21 to 24 in Kuching, the 2nd Consultative Meeting of Young Parliamentarians of Aipa (YPA) from May 5 to 8 in Klang, the 14th Asean-Aipa Leaders’ Interface during the 46th Asean Summit from May 24 to 27 in Kuala Lumpur, and the 8th Meeting of the Aipa Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs (Aipacodd) from June 9 to 12 June in Kuantan.
She said the assembly, themed “Parliament at the Forefront for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Asean,” elevated Malaysia’s diplomatic standing and strengthened parliamentary diplomacy among Aipa member and observer countries, in line with Malaysia’s role as Asean Chair in 2025.
According to Azalina, the 46th AIPA General Assembly, held from Sept 16 to 22 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, was attended by parliamentarians and officials from 10 Asean nations, 19 observer countries and five development partners.
“Throughout the conference, standing committees on politics, economy, social issues, organisation, young parliamentarians and women parliamentarians deliberated and finalised 42 resolutions.
“These resolutions serve as reference documents in the formulation of policies and laws in Aipa member countries, including Malaysia, ensuring greater policy coherence and synergy across the region,” she said.
Azalina said all resolutions were developed through consultations with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure alignment with national policies.
She added that dialogue sessions with observer countries were also held to exchange views with other parliaments.
