He said that the trip overseas followed all protocols accordingly.

“Before a trade mission is approved, it must be brought to the Cabinet meeting and every detail, including the members of the delegation, the total allocation, destination is presented.

“The breakdown is given and approved by the Cabinet accordingly. I did not bring my family along for the trip,” he told RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong).

Rayer had asked Azmin if his family followed him to London during a trade mission two months ago, with their travel expense also funded by the international trade and industry ministry.

Earlier, the question saw opposition MPs in a brief disagreement with Speaker Azhar Harun who told Rayer that his question was not linked to the Supply Bill 2022.

But Ong Kian Ming (PH-Bangi) said the Speaker should allow the minister to reply as every ministry has a budget for overseas trips, including for trade missions.

“Jelutong (Rayer) is asking if the minister booked first-class flight tickets because the flight cost from London to Singapore and to Malaysia is expensive.

Rayer further interjected: “If the minister did not spend the ministry’s money, please answer.”

Azmin replied that he understands Rayer’s intention was to divert the focus from the bigger issues but “I do not have any problems in replying to him.”

Azmin was earlier answering questions on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

In November, a viral meme alleging Azmin spent RM207,712 at an upscale restaurant in London went viral. He denied the claim stating it was another attempt to smear his image.

In October, Bernama reported that Azmin and senior Miti officials went overseas on a trade mission to Europe, which included stops in France and the UK.