Why do we need special envoys when we have diplomats, asks Kadir Jasin

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PETALING JAYA: The new government’s move to continue the practice of appointing MPs as special envoys has come under question, with a veteran newsman asking how much taxpayers’ money is used for this purpose.

“Why do we need to pay for ministerial-level special envoys when we have many ministers and professional diplomats who are already serving as ambassadors and high commissioners?” said A Kadir Jasin in a Facebook post.

“What are their duties and key performance indicators, aside from supporting (former prime minister) Muhyiddin Yassin and now (Prime Minister) Ismail Sabri Yaakob?”

Kadir was commenting on reports that PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and Progressive Democratic Party president Tiong King Sing would continue in their respective roles as special envoys to the Middle East and China.

In announcing the government’s decision yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office also said that former minister Richard Riot Jaem had also been appointed a special envoy for East Asia.

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