The Malaysian government achieved significant cost savings of approximately RM900,000 by opting for a chartered private jet for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent official visits abroad, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Speaking at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on Friday (Nov 15), Fahmi revealed that the overall expense for the Malaysia Airlines Airbus A350 charter totaled RM6.162 million. Out of this amount, the government bore RM1.662 million, or 27% of the cost, while a business delegation contributed the remaining RM4.5 million.
“It’s crucial to clarify that all travel expenses for the Prime Minister are funded by the government and not private entities,” Fahmi stressed. He explained that utilizing a government aircraft would have cost RM2.5 million, making the chartered flight a more economical choice.
The government’s approach to sharing costs with private entities was further elaborated in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Nov 21). Anwar stated that businesses participating in trade missions during the trips financed about 75% of the overall travel costs, including their own flight expenses.
“These companies, which engage in import-export activities, receive government support in their operations, and in turn, they assist in covering travel-related expenses,” the Prime Minister explained.
Despite the savings, opposition members raised concerns about the potential influence of corporate funding on government decisions, calling for greater transparency to ensure public trust is upheld.
Fahmi also clarified that accommodations, meals, and ground transportation for government delegations were covered either by the government or event organizers, particularly for international summits like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the G20.
“There is no issue of private companies covering expenses such as accommodation or meals for government officials,” he assured.
The Prime Minister’s recent diplomatic tour, from Nov 9 to 19, included stops in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Peru, and Brazil. These visits aimed to bolster strategic alliances and attract investments. Anwar also represented Malaysia at the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Week in Peru and the G20 Summit in Brazil before returning home on Nov 20.
This innovative cost-sharing strategy underscores the government’s efforts to maintain fiscal prudence while fulfilling its international commitments.
Information Source: The Star
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