An upcoming overseas trip for 68 government officials has been cancelled, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration curtails excessive public spending.
"We are more stringent and decided this in the cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
"All new projects (and) overseas trips must be referred to the secretary-general or director (of the ministry or agencies) and approved by the (respective) minister," he told reporters after performing Friday prayers in Kampung Pasir today.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, cited a Berlin trip for an exhibition involving government officials despite hotel and flight bookings having already been made.
He said it was part of the government's reforms of ministries, departments and agencies to improve accountability and address leakages.
"I have to be strict (about this) as (government) trips abroad incur the people's money.
"The trip cancellation through this stern decision will send out a clear message; the ministers must present (the budgeting) to the cabinet and we would normally make necessary cuts, otherwise we forego or postpone the trip to save costs."
He said the Chief Secretary to the Government, Public Service director-general and secretaries-general whom he had met also agreed with the stance.
He said the majority of civil servants understood and supported the move; and agreed that such things "must not be allowed."
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