AS a Muslim, I take pride in seeing the government’s commitment to Islamic development through the RM2 bil allocation for Islamic affairs in Budget 2025.
This reflects a clear prioritisation of faith-based initiatives, with substantial funds earmarked for maintaining religious schools, supporting Islamic education, and even printing and distributing one million copies of the Quran globally.
These efforts are commendable and align with our shared duty to uphold and spread the teachings of Islam.
However, I cannot help but feel a sense of unease and embarrassment when juxtaposing this noble commitment with recent revelations about the government’s reliance on corporate sponsorships for official overseas trips.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim disclosed in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Nov 21) that up to 80% of his travel costs for diplomatic missions were covered by private companies, including major players like PETRONAS, PROTON, Sapura Energy Bhd and Yinson Holdings Bhd.
While cost-saving measures are understandable in challenging economic times, relying on corporate sponsorship for the PM’s duties is not only unbecoming but erodes the dignity of the office.
Contradict Islamic teachings
Surely, if the Madani government can allocate billions for Islamic development, it can also allocate sufficient funds for the nation’s highest-level diplomatic engagements. To do otherwise suggests a misalignment of priorities that reflects poorly on the government’s management of public funds.
The situation becomes even more concerning when viewed through the lens of governance and transparency.
Corporate sponsorships for government functions, especially when involving companies with vested interests in government policies, create an uncomfortable perception of blurred lines between public duties and private interests.
As Islamic teachings emphasise the importance of amanah (trust) and transparency in leadership, the reliance on private funding raises questions about whether these values are being upheld.
Allocating funds for Islamic affairs is not only appropriate but necessary for the spiritual and social development of the ummah (Muslim solidarity). Yet, it is equally essential to ensure that our leadership is not placed in a position where it must seek private sponsorship for basic governance functions.
Doing so not only tarnishes the image of the government but also risks undermining public trust in its commitment to ethical leadership.
As a government championing the Madani concept and advocating for transparency, the onus is on them to rectify this inconsistency. This would not only uphold the principles of fiscal prudence but also align with the Islamic values of accountability and good governance.
Let us not forget that the credibility of our leaders, especially in carrying out their official duties, is as important as the initiatives we champion.
May we strive for a governance system that reflects the best of our faith and values, thus avoiding embarrassing compromises that do not befit the leadership of a proud Islamic nation.
Johan Abu Bakar is a reader of Focus Malaysia.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Source : Focus
Flying high on corporate sponsorships: Did PMX’s overseas trips breach civil service rules?
WHEN Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat – boasting about the private sector covering up to 80% of his recent overseas trips’ costs – it seemed like a win of fiscal prudence.
After all, who wouldn’t want to save taxpayers’ money? But scratch beneath the surface and troubling questions come to the fore.
PETRONAS, Sapura Energy Bhd, Yinson Holdings Bhd and PROTON were among the corporate knights gallantly footing the bill as PMX trailblazed across three continents. But here’s the uncomfortable question: at what cost, exactly?
The Pekeliling Perkhidmatan Bilangan 3 Tahun 1998 – Malaysia’s civil service gift guidelines – is clear.
Public servants cannot accept gifts )in this case, travel sponsorships) linked to their official duties without proper checks and balances. These are not just rules for show; they’re meant to protect the integrity of public office and prevent the perception (or reality) of undue influence.
Did the highest office of the land just breach Section 5 of the guidelines? If so, how is the Prime Minister’s Office expected to set an example for low-ranking officials not to accept Hari Raya hampers or the likes?
Breeding corruption
And let’s talk about perception. The companies involved in this jet-setting arrangement aren’t exactly mom-and-pop shops.
They have significant stakes in government policies and decisions. The guidelines explicitly warn against situations where such relationships might create suspicion. But going by the PMX administration’s logic, suspicion doesn’t travel in business class.
Coming from the Madani government – a coalition that claims to champion good governance and transparency – this cozy corporate arrangement feels more than a little off-brand.
PMX often waxes lyrical about reform and accountability but accepts travel sponsorships from corporations as though it’s a badge of honour. Is this a case of cakap tak serupa bklin (failing to walk the talk)?
To be fair, PMX did argue that this is a cost-saving measure. Given the tough economic climate, saving taxpayer money is commendable.
But cost-saving should not come at the expense of ethical governance. Transparency in such matters is not optional – It is foundational.
There is also the issue of precedent. If PMX, the supposed torchbearer/role model of Madani ideals, can sidestep transparency for the sake of “efficiency,” what stops future leaders from taking this a step further?
It maybe travel sponsorships today but who knows what comes next? A slippery slope that will see the nation sink awaits.
PMX’s continental trip may have been about strengthening diplomatic ties and attracting investment but it inadvertently opened the door to bigger questions about the government’s integrity.
Transparency is not just a nice-to-have; it’s the difference between inspiring confidence and sowing doubt. Malaysians deserve leaders who understand that even when they are globetrotting across three continents on someone else’s dime.
Source : Focus
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