KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government did not use private funds for the Malaysian delegation's trips to four countries.

"There is no conflict of interest," he said in a Facebook post.

Anwar said that for the four trips, the government chartered a Malaysia Airlines flight, which cost RM1.6 million.

Had Putrajaya used the government's executive jet, it would have cost RM2.5 million.

As the chartered Malaysia Airlines flight had more space than required for government officials, private companies participating in the trips were invited to join the flight.

"These companies paid for their seats," Anwar said, adding that this cost RM4.5 million.

The cost to the government remained at RM1.6 million, he said.

"I repeat, the government did not use private funds," said Anwar.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/1139314/no-conflict-interest-overseas-trips-says-pm