Calling the backlash indicative of a “half-crazed era”, Anwar said the participating private companies, such as Proton and Sapura Energy, were required to pay their own way.

“And yet, this is being criticised? In this country, those who steal, loot and plunder are celebrated, but when we run clean and transparent programmes, we are condemned.

“This is what we call a ‘jaman edan’, a half-crazed era,” he said during a town hall meeting marking two years of the Madani government at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.

Yesterday, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government saved nearly RM1 million in flight expenses during Anwar’s recent five-nation tour by chartering a Malaysia Airlines Airbus A350.
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Fahmi said the government covered only 27% of the total cost (RM1.66 million) for the official delegation, while the private sector paid 73% (RM4.5 million), bringing the overall cost of the chartered flights to RM6.16 million.

Anwar’s tour began with a visit to China from Nov 4 to 7 at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang to attend the 7th China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

The prime minister then continued with official visits to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Peru and Brazil from Nov 9 to 19.

Anwar jokes about finally taking up PM’s salary

Anwar jokingly suggested that he may have to start accepting his salary as prime minister next year after critics mocked his decision for refusing it.

“When I said I wouldn’t take a salary, I was ridiculed. So, perhaps next year I’ll have to take the salary after all.

“Even though we don’t take the salary, we still receive the parliamentary allowance. (My wife) Dr Wan Azizah (Wan Ismail) also gets hers (as Bandar Tun Razak MP). With hers and mine combined, we’ll be fine,” he said.