KUALA LUMPUR – Special envoys with ministerial rank appointed by the government are not entitled to any gratuity or pension scheme upon the end of their services.
Law Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said this is because their appointments are merely administrative, unlike cabinet members, who are appointed under Article 43(2)(b) of the federal constitution.
He said this in a written reply to the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday, commenting on whether these special envoys have received such benefits following the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister in August.
“For your information, after the (resignation) of the eighth prime minister, the special envoys did not receive any gratuity payment and monthly pension when their services ended.”
Wan Junaidi was responding to Lim Lip Eng (Kepong-PH) on the amount of gratuity and pension that the envoys qualified for, as well as their respective duties while in office.
During Muhyiddin’s time at the helm, he appointed three special envoys, namely Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (Maran-PAS), Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (Bintulu-GPS) and Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem (Serian-GPS).
Hadi was put in charge of the Middle East, while Tiong and Riot oversaw China and East Asia, respectively.
Following the change in prime minister, current post holder Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob decided to retain all three appointments.
Wan Junaidi said the special envoys were appointed to assist and advise the prime minister on matters relating to the country and region to which they are assigned.
“All the envoys are given the duty and responsibility to improve the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and their respective assigned countries and regions.
“These comprise, among others, improvements in foreign relations, the economy, trade, investment, as well as education.
“For the Middle East region, it also includes improvements in terms of cooperation in the aspect of Islam.”
The issue of appointing special envoys has been contentious, with critics questioning if it is a form of political reward, and if the appointments are necessary and justify the costs involved.
On September 28, Ismail Sabri, who is also Bera MP, defended the need to appoint special envoys and advisers, and revealed that they each get a RM27,227.20 monthly salary.
In a parliamentary reply, he said the appointments are significant and not a waste as these individuals have a network of relationships, experience, and specific expertise that can advance state interests. – The Vibes, October 8, 2021
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