FMT / November 23, 2021
Will Putrajaya review ‘huge’ number of foreign missions abroad, asks MP
KUALA LUMPUR: An opposition MP today questioned whether Putrajaya intends to review the number of foreign missions it has worldwide, saying it was “relatively huge”, when compared to the country’s Asean neighbours.
Wong Hon Wai (PH-Bukit Bendera) said there were 111 foreign missions in 85 countries.
He said this was more than what Singapore and Thailand had, with the island republic having 47 offices in 31 countries. He did not provide the figures for Thailand.
“Are we going to look into a strategic realignment and maybe focus on key areas such as ones that involve our business or strategic partners?” he said when debating the foreign ministry’s 2022 Supply Bill allocation at the committee stage.
Wong had earlier noted that there was an increase in allocations for the foreign ministry.
A total of RM868 million had been earmarked for the ministry under Budget 2022, compared to RM778 million under the previous federal budget.
He also questioned the role of a special envoy, which came with a ministerial rank.
Earlier this month, it was reported that MIC president SA Vigneswaran had been appointed special envoy to South Asia.
In September, it was announced that PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and Progressive Democratic Party president Tiong King Sing will continue in their respective roles as special envoys to the Middle East and China.
Former human resources minister Richard Riot Jaem was also appointed a special envoy for East Asia.
“How effective are they?” Wong asked.
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