KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 — MCA demanded today that the government provide a detailed breakdown of its 50 overseas trips in the past seven weeks, including the objectives, costs, participating officials, and measurable outcomes achieved.
MCA deputy president Dr Mah Hang Soon said the Ministry of Finance’s (MOF) defence of international engagements necessitated a clear demonstration of the outcomes and benefits gained from the government’s travel abroad.
“By demonstrating how these overseas visits have contributed towards attracting foreign investments and international students, creating economic hubs and employment opportunities, strengthening technology and AI transfer, expanding tourism, enhancing trade and diplomatic relations, promoting cultural and educational exchanges, and delivering tangible benefits to the rakyat, the government would strengthen public confidence that taxpayers’ money has been spent prudently and effectively,” said Dr Mah in a statement today.
“Travelling overseas for official purposes is not the issue. The concern is whether these expenses provide sufficient returns, especially at a time when the government is implementing spending rationalisation measures and Malaysians are being asked to accept tighter fiscal management.
“Transparency and accountability are essential to maintain public confidence. Malaysians deserve assurance that every ringgit spent, whether locally or overseas delivers real value for the country and improves the lives of her citizens.”
MOF’s statement yesterday, which was issued in response to a CodeBlue report that highlighted 50 overseas trips by 22 ministries to 24 countries in 50 days from last May 1 to June 19, only specified the outcome of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visits to Russia and Turkmenistan.
The trips by ministers, deputy ministers, and senior civil servants included international meetings or conferences, trade shows or exhibitions, and visiting ministerial counterparts, among others. Some of the overseas visits included witnessing the signing of memorandums of understanding, meetings with companies or universities, and even presenting awards at a film awards ceremony.
Dr Mah pointed out that even though the government has claimed that budget cuts did not affect essential health services, health care workers on the ground continue to highlight serious issues affecting the delivery of quality medical care.
“Many medical officers, specialists, nurses, and health care professionals have exited the Ministry of Health (MOH) to join the private sector or seek opportunities overseas due to concerns over workload, career progression, remuneration, and working conditions. The loss of experienced health care personnel places additional pressure on those who remain in the public system,” he said.
“At the same time, many public hospitals continue to face longstanding problems, including ageing infrastructure, overcrowded facilities, shortages of essential medicines (prescription given but patients need to self-purchase), insufficient equipment and the urgent need to upgrade outdated medical technology.
“Health care workers and patients should not have to bear the burden of a system struggling with resource constraints.”
Dr Mah stressed that if the government could justify overseas travel as “necessary investments” for Malaysia’s future, then it must show the same commitment by investing in the public health care system.
