Kuala Lumpur: The government bears almost half a million ringgit in cost 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated that the government allocated approximately RM486,000 for the visit after receiving a formal application from Tun Dr Mahathir. The Prime Minister explained that there are existing provisions for former prime ministers to apply for government support for official travel, and with the sitting prime minister's approval, the government would cover the costs. Mahathir, who applied to attend the Nikkei conference in Japan, had his request approved, and Anwar noted that the delegation included around seven people.
Anwar addressed questions regarding the decision, emphasizing that while Mahathir is entitled to apply for such support, the ultimate decision rests with the sitting prime minister. Despite Mahathir's frequent criticisms of the government, Anwar clarified that he chose to approve the RM486,000 for the trip. He expressed a desire to avoid misunderstandings and negative attitudes regarding the decision.
On May 30, Tun Dr Mahathir was reported to have attended and delivered a speech at the annual Nikkei Future of Asia conference, a platform he has regularly attended over the years.
In a separate development, Anwar mentioned that he is allowing time for two Cabinet ministers who recently submitted resignation letters to reconsider their decisions. The Prime Minister received the letters from Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who reportedly resigned following defeats in recent party elections. Anwar, however, has only approved their leave for the moment, expressing a preference for them to rejoin the Cabinet.
The Prime Minister shared these updates after attending an organisational empowerment seminar and a closed-door meeting with PKR leaders. Present at the meeting 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 move past dissatisfaction following the party polls, highlighting the importance of unity and maturity for the party's broader mission. He remarked on his ability to work with UMNO, suggesting that internal disagreements should also be resolved for the party's greater agenda.