The Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (Cassa) Selangor is totally disillusioned and shocked at statement by the tourism minister that Malaysians traveling abroad (speculated to be around 15 million) must now fill a form to cite why they go overseas and what they do there.

While many nations in this region and the Asia Pacific zone are moving forward in a proactive manner, removing hurdles that impede or discomfort travelers, taking into cognisance and account public interest, the need for privacy and with a common segregation of what is personal, private or of national interest, Malaysia through the comments of the tourism minister is doing just the opposite!

Perhaps, it is a sad reflection of the manner of how certain government ministries are managed by ministers, politicians, secretary-generals and senior civil servants. One may not be wrong to say that some ministries are run as if they are the 'private property' of those in that ministry.

What is also absurd is that this ministerial statement comes without any form of discussion or feedback from civil society or other stakeholders. By his own statement, the minister states that he is interested to know the details on our activities overseas whether for business, pleasure, study, visitation of relatives or other reasons. Is this not a violation by all international and humane standards of one's privacy?

Honestly, is it any business of his to know what I do while abroad? It is of concern to no one as long as I do not break any laws and bring shame to Malaysia like many of our politically- connected companies have done in Papua New Guinea, Burma, South Africa, India, Indonesia and Vietnam to cite a few.

Have a form to receive voluntary feedback by all means, which may help the Tourism Ministry to evaluate how we compare with other nations for quality of services offered and other comparative observations and do not make it mandatory.

It is hoped that in future there would be caution, a comprehensive study and discussion with all stakeholders prior to such 'ministerial wisdom' being announced.