PUTRAJAYA: Ministers and other government officials have been ordered to cut the number of trips abroad and not hold any Hari Raya Aidilfitri open houses due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, says the Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the order was decided at the Cabinet meeting yesterday as the government seeks a more prudent and responsible approach to shield itself if the situation in the Middle East worsens.
“All ministers and members of the administration, including departmental officials, have been instructed to restrict their overseas trips, except for those that are already planned and deemed essential to attend,” Anwar said.
Anwar also said all government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) were ordered not to hold Hari Raya Aidilfitri open houses.
“This sends a message for more prudent spending,” said Anwar.
Anwar said he was questioned by some regarding the rationale of this decision.
“I said this is a sane decision so we won’t be affected when the situation worsens. So, let’s take a moderate and responsible approach,” he added.
Malaysia, said Anwar, has also urged Iran to ensure that retaliatory strikes on Israel do not spill over to neighbouring countries.
“I proposed that Iran pay attention so its attacks do not hit its neighbours and instead focus on Israel.
“Thank you to the Iranian President and his Foreign Minister for giving a stern guarantee that they will try to avoid hitting their neighbours,” he said.
Anwar said he conveyed his deepest condolences to Iran over the passing of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei.
At the same time, Anwar also said he contacted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, nearly all the leaders of the Gulf countries and the leader of Turkiye.
“We have expressed concerns and worries because of tensions between Iran and a few neighbouring countries.
“Israeli Zionist-US attacks have now spilt over to many Gulf countries, including Turkiye, Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia.
“Therefore, it has become a larger conflict, and it is no longer confined to selected nations,” said Anwar.
