THE lucky ones who can afford overseas trips will try to squeeze them between May and September.

The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) when Japan is at its most vibrant, with delicate cherry blossom or bright red leaves adding contrast to the scenery. Not only that, but this is the only time of year to view the wisteria flowers in full bloom. The best time to visit Europe is May through September with peak crowds around July.

With God’s grace, I had the opportunity to visit both during those months for work. The few trips to Japan, with a reputation for being a hardworking country with strict work ethics were tiring. The trips were like a 60-minutes bus trip by JR Narita Express to Triton Square Office Tower, every day meetings from 10am till late night and capped with another 60 minutes bus trip by JR Narita Express to Narita Airport. Only once, I extended my stay for two days to visit the majestic Mount Fuji.

Everything in Japan is expensive and so is Europe. The cost of living has risen over the past 12 months – Spain (83%), Britain (80%), Germany (78%), Italy (76%) and France (66%).

Recently, we have been hearing murmurs in social media about ministers’ trip overseas for work, especially during a crisis and when the economy is still on the slow road to recovery.

The prime minister made a few trips in the last few months especially to Qatar, US and Japan. Working visits are not an issue during good times but at current position, with a large entourage and many days like the one to Japan is a cause for concern.

The agenda in Japan did not seem to require the eight ministers to be present unless there are some that were not reported. Again, it is a non-issue during good times.

With the current food crisis, it is hoped that the trip to Qatar to be useful and proper follow-ups made since there were visits to the Baladna farm and Baladna cow milk production centre and also some organic vegetable, mushroom and shrimp farms.

Similarly, we hope the US trip will bring some big investments since the international trade and industry minister was in the entourage and meetings held with several prominent leaders representing US Fortune 500 companies.

There will also be visits by ministers to Europe to strengthen the long-standing multifaceted cooperation between Malaysia and the respective countries and to discuss post-Covid-19 cooperation as well as inter-regional and international issues of mutual interest. I am not too sure these are critical issues and can be saved for another day or alternatively, a Zoom meeting will suffice.

Not too long ago, all ministers were ordered to cancel their year-end leave or overseas trip to return immediately until the flood situation had passed and be with the people during difficult times. This is praiseworthy.

We are having a food crisis; the economy is feverish and we are still grappling with the middle-income trap and the lack of adequate technological innovation and upgrading. There were cuts to the budgets of essential services and also sports that could bring glory to the country.

Unless those overseas trips can bring positive results and glory, let us be prudent in the way we spend our resources.

Lastly, should there be a new standard operating procedure and key performance indicators for overseas trips?

What say you… – June 2, 2022.

* Saleh Mohammed reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.