SARAWAK has been urged to follow Putrajaya’s move to reduce overseas trips to curb excessive spending by its elected representatives.
Member of Parliament for Sibu, Oscar Ling from DAP, said state government leaders must be publicly accountable for their spending on official overseas trips as this is taxpayer’s money.
"From the information we have gathered, the Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government ministry had incurred expenses of more than RM 5 million for foreign trips this year.
"The minister (Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian who is also Deputy Premier) must explain these spendings.
"Tell the rakyat why your ministry is using so much money for overseas trips and how ordinary Sarawakians are benefitting from these trips," he said in a press statement.
On Nov 14, an attempt by Padungan state assemblyman Chong Chien Jen of Sarawak DAP to seek details of alleged excessive overseas trip spending by the state ministry was rejected in the State Assembly sitting.
Chong, who is Sarawak DAP chairman, had queried why the ministry keeps on seeking additional funding from the state coffers for overseas trips. - November 19, 2024
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