FORMER International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamad wants to know when the government intends to form the parliamentary select committee on foreign affairs.

The former Umno member felt this would help in the formulation of the country’s foreign policy, as it would have input from Members of Parliament.

The Jeli MP said Putrajaya must ensure Wisma Putra is adequately funded to ensure the country is effectively promoted as a destination for trade, investments, business and tourism.

“We have to set priorities. Trade, investments, tourism, job and business opportunities are important to the country.

“Our ambassadors must promote the country more aggressively. If Malaysia is not well known enough because funding constraints led to lack of promotion, we will not achieve the ministry’s goals,” he said in his maiden debate as an independent member since quitting Umno.

Mustapa, who was debating the motion on the federal government’s foreign policy framework, said he wants the policy to focus on matters concerning the people’s livelihoods, business and job opportunities.

He also said human capital is important for Wisma Putra.

“Our ambassadors work well but we have to be stricter in reviewing KPIs (key performance indexes).

“If they are not promoting the country well, we should not wait two to three years to take action.

“Performance reviews should be done every six months, for example, to make sure service is at its best,” he said.

The veteran politician, popularly known as Tok Pa, also called for better coordination between Wisma Putra and related agencies to promote the country overseas.

Deputy speaker Nga Kor Ming also congratulated the former Umno leader for a speech that was realistic and independent. – October 15, 2018.