DUBAI: A document that two Malaysian MPs revealed pertaining to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s trip to Dubai was not the actual programme but a draft itinerary that was still under discussion, said the office of the Malaysian deputy prime minister.
In a statement issued to journalists covering Muhyiddin’s working visit, the office said the allegation by the DAP MPs as reported in portals and blogs was done with malice and without basis.
“Their accusation, based on an unconfirmed document and without checking, is unprofessional,” it said.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office expressed disappointment over what it described as an irresponsible act by Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong who portrayed Muhyiddin’s working visit to enhance bilateral ties and attract foreign investment to Malaysia to be a holiday that was a waste of public funds.
It also clarified that in the finalised itinerary, Muhyiddin had a tight programme of official activities throughout his working visit in Dubai from April 7 to 12.
“It is normal that there will several changes to the draft of any of the deputy prime minister’s overseas working trips before it is finalised,” said the statement.
“This is because the itinerary is subject to confirmation by the parties involved in the country to be visited,” it added.
It said the draft itinerary revealed by the MPs did not include Muhyiddin’s official functions in Dubai on April 8.
On that date, Muhyiddin was accorded the honour by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government to deliver a keynote address at the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM).
At the meeting, attended by UAE Prime Minister and Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum and several government leaders, Muhyiddin shared Malaysia’s experience in the international business environment and in attracting foreign investment.
At the same meeting, Muhyiddin also extended the Malaysian government’s gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum for the assistance extended by the UAE government to the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight, MH370.
Muhyiddin also attended the Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (Getex) and launched the Malaysian pavilion at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, besides paying a courtesy call on UAE Education Minister Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami and Culture, Youth and Social Development Minister Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan at the same venue. — Bernama
Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, also held a meeting with Sunny Varkey, chairman of GEMS Education based in Dubai.
GEMS Education, which has a chain of private schools in 151 countries, including the UAE, the United States and Singapore, is in the process of opening a private school offering affordable rates in Malaysia.
Muhyiddin is also scheduled to attend two business dinners with prominent businessmen from Malaysia and the UAE. The statement said the expenses for both the dinners are not footed by the Malaysian government. — Bernama