SINCE coming into power, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made 39 official visits and work trips to 22 countries amounting to a total RM13.7 million.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said in return, Anwar secured potential investment values of RM353.6 billion in 2023 and RM82.6 billion from January to October this year.
"Among the investment commitments generated from the investment promotion missions during this period include sectors such as the digital economy (data centres), electrical and electronics (semiconductors), and chemicals (petrochemicals and chemical products)," she said in a Parliamentary written reply dated Oct 29.
She told Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) in a parliamentary written reply that among the investment commitments were those in digital economy (data centres), electrical and electronics (semiconductors), and chemicals (petrochemicals and chemical products).
On average, each trip costs RM351,282, which appears to be lower than what is known about spending on official visits by the past four premiers.
She said the expenses for Anwar's overseas visits consistently complied with the prevailing financial procedures, while also adopting prudent spending.
"The amount so far is considered to be reasonable and justified, taking into account the benefits obtained by the country based on the number of foreign investments that have expressed interest and have the potential to be realised," she added. - October 30, 2024