KUALA LUMPUR: Several ministers and deputies welcomed a cost-cutting move being introduced by the government.
The Treasury Department on Tuesday distributed a circular titled "Government expenditure optimising measure guidelines" as part of cost-cutting measures, which among others, involved carrying out staff training internally and reducing number of officers accompanying ministers on overseas trip to only one.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar when met at parliament lobby said the cost-cut measures would not affect the ongoing projects carried out by the ministry.
"We welcome the move and are already implementing it. Although there's a reduction of RM60 million to the ministry, it will not affect the projects like flood mitigation and slope (strengthening) projects, to name a few," he said.
Federal Territories Minister Datuk Loga Bala Mohan said the ministries and agencies could play its part in reducing the burden on government coffers with such a move.
"It is not an issue for us. In fact, we have started reducing cost especially on refreshments at events since two years ago. We don't have that many overseas trips, so we are not particularly affected by the move to only allow an officer accompanying minister on trips aboard," he said.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nancy Shukri said she was relieved that projects approved prior to the circular were not affected.
"Yes, we are happy to play our part in saving the government's money, which is the people's money, and at the same time train ourselves to be more thrifty and careful with our spending. More importantly, we are still able to carry out infrastructure projects for our constituents such as roads as the move does not involve allocations for members of parliament," she said.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of overseeing the Innovation Unit (Unik), the Hindu Endowment Board, and the Malaysian Industry Government Group for High Technology, Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong said: "I support the move because it is part of the government's efforts towards austerity and fiscal consolidation.
"Austerity is best when it's a conscious self-initiative. We must show our commitment to overcome tough situations with self-discipline and sternness. It is also part of the transformation of public sector, enhancing the competitiveness of the government, making us more efficient and accountable in future," he said.
The move was also well-received by several opposition leaders who said it was a good effort.
Bukit Katil member of parliament Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin said: "It was a good move but the government should also look into and take serious measures on issues raised in the Auditor-general’s report."
Pokok Sena member of parliament and Pas parliamentary whip Datuk Mahfuz Omar said:
“To me, what the government is doing (to cut costs) is wise. However, what is important is that the implementation of ongoing development programmes and projects continues.
“Last time, you used to be able to travel first class but now, you travel using budget airlines. There is no problem with that, as long as you reach your destination," he said.
Reporting by Nuradzimmah Daim, Adrian Lai and Awaina Arbee