No decision on closing of 30 embassies, says deputy minister

No decision on closing of 30 embassies, says deputy minister

Putrajaya will study need for foreign missions from time to time, says Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Merican

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KUALA LUMPUR:
The government has not made any decision yet on the closing of 30 embassies as alleged by some quarters, Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican said yesterday.

Reezal Merican, who is Kepala Batas MP, told the Dewan Rakyat that the embassies were important as they ensured Malaysia’s foreign policies with the countries concerned continued to be protected.

According to the foreign ministry, Malaysia has 108 foreign missions, which is far lower than our neighbours Indonesia and Thailand have overseas.

“The government undertakes studies from time to time related to the country’s need for foreign missions.

“Even if we feel there isn’t a need for a foreign mission, an accredited envoy is necessary to ensure Malaysia’s foreign policies with the countries concerned are preserved,” he said when winding up debate on the Supplementary Supply Bill (2016) 2017 at the committee stage for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Earlier, Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad (Amanah-Kuala Terengganu) had raised the issue when debating the bill.

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