By Syauqi Jamil
SHAH ALAM: Cabinet Ministers can no longer bring their spouse along with them for overseas work trip under seven days.
Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali said this was an effort by the Pakatan Harapan government to help reduce the spendings by the government.
The new condition was agreed by the Cabinet recently and takes effect immediately.
“Ministers that goes to work overseas cannot bring their wife along, unless its more than seven days.
“If its more than seven days then it may be an issue of necessity, (so it) can’t be too long,” he quipped much to the enjoyment of the audience present at Sinar Harian’s dialogue session with Azmin.
He added, even a Minister’s entourage must be limited to a maximum of two officials.
This on top of arriving at the foreign country on the work day itself and leaving right after it ends.
“We are going for work, not for golfing, shopping or holiday. Previously, ministers travel three days prior to the work day and leave three days after.
“This efforts are meant to reduce the cost,” he said.
Among other things, Azmin also spoke on asset declaration, pointing out that leaders have to declare their assets to the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) soon.
Pointing out that a Cabinet meeting on the matter will take place on Monday, Azmin said that he is currently in his final stages of declaring his assets.
“PM, TPM, Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of State Assembly all must declare their assets to MACC,” he said.
