PM Anwar Cancels Large Government Delegation to Berlin to Avoid Waste

By Loshinniy Nair S. Baskaran

21st September 2024: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has canceled a delegation of 68 civil servants scheduled to attend a small exhibition in Berlin, Germany, to prevent wasteful government spending.

Speaking after Friday prayers at Masjid Darussalam in Puchong, Anwar emphasized that there was no need for such a large group to attend a minor event, even though flight tickets and hotel accommodations had already been arranged. He explained that only a small team was necessary for the task, and this decision is part of a broader effort to reform government ministries, agencies, and departments.

“This is public money, and we must be responsible. Despite the arrangements, I canceled it because the number registered was excessive,” he said.

Anwar, also serving as Finance Minister, stated that moving forward, all overseas trips involving ministries, government companies, and agencies must be approved by the relevant minister to ensure accountability. This decision follows a strict directive issued during a recent Cabinet meeting to prevent unnecessary expenditures and streamline operations.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that most civil servants understand and support these measures, emphasizing that similar violations will not be tolerated. The cancellation serves as a message to all ministers to cut down on unnecessary trips and expenses involving public funds, as stated in Berita Harian.