Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should set guidelines for official trips abroad, said DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, in the wake of two recent controversial 'junkets' that sparked public outcry.

In a memorandum submitted to the premier's office today, Lim urged Abdullah to direct all states to submit the details of such trips for prior approval to stop the proliferation of junket trips that waste public funds.

"For far too long, BN state governments have been allowed to turn their official overseas trips into junkets that provide a full holiday at public expense," he claimed.

He stressed that the time has come to end a practice that brings no benefit, but damages the reputation and image of the government.

Lim said the guidelines must ensure that visits abroad should be for official business only so long as these are at taxpayers' expense, noting that "one cannot mix business with pleasure".

Better things to do

Last Friday, Abdullah called on state governments to scrap pleasure junkets, saying that politicians can indulge in better things than watching belly-dancing performances.

He was referring to the aborted Egypt trip by the Selangor Public Accounts Committee. It was cancelled at the eleventh hour, following the withdrawal of a DAP member, who claimed it was a waste of taxpayers' money.

The trip was purportedly for PAC members to learn about the financial system in Egypt. Also slated were visits to the Egyptian Parliament, Malaysian embassy and a meeting with Malaysian students studying in Cairo.

However, apart from visits to tourist sites, the itinerary included a cruise along the Nile river which was to feature a belly-dancing performance.

Another controversial trip was organised by the Malacca state government for 23 people, including Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam and state officials and their spouses. They travelled to the US and Dubai for two weeks.

The chief minister's three school-going children were also named as 'official delegates' on the itinerary and the entire trip was estimated to cost about RM1 million.

Throughout the visit, the delegation only had one confirmed official function while the rest were visits to tourist spots.