Latest news with #RM486
Malaysiakini
15-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
MCA Youth slams govt over Dr M's RM486k Japan trip
MCA Youth criticised the government's decision to approve RM486,000 expenditure for former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's two-day trip to Japan for the Nikkei Forum last month, questioning its financial priorities at a time of economic strain. 'Who is really tightening their belts? The people, or you, so-called reformist leaders?' MCA Youth central committee member Lee Kok Seng asked in a statement today. He pointed out that the average Malaysian worker...
New Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Govt paid RM486k for Dr M's official visit to Japan
MELAKA: The government bore almost half a million ringgit in costs for former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's trip to Japan to attend the annual Nikkei conference last month, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar said the government had allocated approximately RM486,000 for the visit after receiving a formal application from Dr Mahathir. "There are existing provisions for former prime ministers to apply for government support for official travel, and if the sitting prime minister approves, the government will bear the cost, including for Tun Mahathir, who recently requested to attend the Nikkei conference in Japan. He applied, and I approved it. I believe the delegation comprised around seven people. "People ask me why we paid for him. He is entitled to apply, but the decision lies with the sitting prime minister. I decided to approve the RM486,000 for him to go to Japan. "I just don't want anyone to misunderstand. I don't want to take a negative attitude. Despite his daily criticisms of the government, we still approved his travel application," Anwar told reporters here today. On May 30, Dr Mahathir was reported to have attended and delivered a speech at the annual Nikkei Future of Asia conference, a platform he has attended regularly over the years. In a separate development, Anwar said he was giving time to two cabinet ministers who recently submitted resignation letters, encouraging them to reconsider their decisions. The prime minister said he had received letters from the two ministers applying for leave and resignation, but had only approved their leave for now. "Let them think about it. Personally, I would prefer that they rejoin the cabinet," he said. The ministers in question, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, reportedly submitted their resignations following defeats in recent party elections. Anwar was speaking after attending an organisational empowerment seminar and a closed-door meeting with PKR leaders here today. Also present were PKR vice-presidents Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, secretary-general Senator Fuziah Salleh, Wanita chief Fadhlina Sidek, Youth chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, and Hang Tuah Jaya division chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin. During the seminar, Anwar urged PKR members to heal internal rifts and put aside dissatisfaction following the party polls last month. He also emphasised the need for unity and maturity for the party's greater mission. "Imagine this, I can work with Umno, even hugging it out. Surely, we can move past our internal disagreements too. Let's move on for the bigger agenda," he added.
The Star
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Anwar hopes Rafizi and Nik Nazmi will rethink decision to quit Cabinet
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants to give Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad more time to reconsider their decision to quit the Cabinet. "Let them think it over... If possible, I (want) them to rejoin (the Cabinet). "The (resignation) letters have been received, but I have not accepted their resignations," he told Sinar Harian after a closed-door seminar and engagement session with PKR members in Melaka on Thursday (June 12). Rafizi quit as economy minister while Nik Nazmi resigned from the natural resources and environmental sustainability portfolio following their defeats in the PKR central leadership elections last month. At Thursday's event, Anwar urged party members to strengthen their ties with one another, putting aside any dissatisfaction with the election results. He said members should be open-minded and put aside differences of opinion that came up during the election for the sake of the party's agenda. 'Did you imagine that I could work with Umno? (Party members) have to move on for the greater agenda. "If I can work with (a former rival), then I can also work with friends who have different opinions," he said. In another development, Anwar said the government will cover the expenses of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for attending the 30th Nikkei International Forum in Japan in May. He said the government allocated RM486,000 after receiving an application from Dr Mahathir to attend the conference in Tokyo. "There are regulations that allow the Prime Minister to approve (the travel of other former prime ministers)... he requested it (and) if the Prime Minister approves, the government will pay," he added. Anwar said that, despite often being critical of the unity government, the former prime minister had the right to apply for allocations, subject to approval. "I don't want anyone to misunderstand... I also don't want to be negative about it, even though he 'attacks' us every day. We still approved it," Anwar added. On May 30, Dr Mahathir delivered a speech at the forum, which discussed the economy, technology and future of Asia.
BusinessToday
12-06-2025
- Politics
- BusinessToday
Tun Mahathir's Japan Trip Sponsored By Govt He Regularly Attacks
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he approved a government sponsorship totaling RM486,000 for former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's trip to Japan for the Nikkei Forum. The cost covers Dr. Mahathir and seven accompanying delegates. Speaking to reporters today, Anwar confirmed the sponsorship, explaining that while certain provisions exist for former leaders to make such requests, the final decision rests with the sitting Prime Minister, which he ultimately granted. The approval comes amidst ongoing public criticism from Dr. Mahathir towards the current MADANI administration since Anwar took office. The veteran statesman has frequently been vocal on various government policies. In response to these criticisms, Anwar had also directed the anti-corruption agency to investigate Dr. Mahathir and his family over allegations of corruption. However, to date, no proof of Dr. Mahathir's alleged corruption has been presented, nor have any cases been filed against his family. Related
Malaysiakini
12-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Despite rivalry, I approved RM486k for Dr M's Japan trip, Anwar says
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the government had allocated RM486,000 for former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's trip to Japan to attend the annual Nikkei conference last month. He said the government decided to bear the cost after receiving a formal application from Mahathir, who is one of the Tambun MP's fiercest critics. 'There are...
