The Penang government does not plan to amend regulations on spouses accompanying state officials on working trips overseas but may be open about it.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said it was not against the law to bring spouses along official trips as it is allowed by protocol and had been previously practised by the former state government.

NONE "Other than the federal government, western governments also allow ministers and government officials to bring along their spouses," he told a press conference in Penang today.

But Lim (l eft ) said there would be a discussion among state executive councillors on whether expenses of official missions overseas should be made public.

"We can consider doing so, as we have previously announced personal property (assets) publicly."

Lim refuted claims by opponents in the MCA that he had refused to provide details of the expenses incurred on such trips.

"They should focus more on why Penang needs to build friendships with other cities," he pointed out. After all, we cannot be a frog (under the coconut shell)," Lim quipped.

Yesterday, Lim gave a full account of his government's travel expenditures, including details of a recent trip of a huge entourage to Xiamen and Hainan from Nov 4-9 to promote tourism in his state.

No Disneyland trips planned

He did this two days after Malaysiakini queried him on the matter at a press conference in Komtar on Nov 13.

Lim said it would be unjustified if state official go on trips to remote areas in Africa, for example.

"But we were on a trip to China to build friendly relations between cities," he said.

Lim said he does not mind criticisms about the expenses paid being too high. However, state officials should not be picked on for bringing their spouses along the trips.

"Moreover, administrative members did not bring their families to go abroad every year. "

"Penang government delegation did not bring their families to Disneyland to play, but went on a official trip."

He was referring to former Selangor Menteri Besar Khir Toyo, who reportedly brought a delegation to Disneyland, costing the state RM1.8 million.

najib in sibu 270413 08 rosmah Lim said if questions arise about the expenses being too high, he was willing to accept criticism but not about accompanying spouses.

"Just as we don't question why the prime minister bring his wife along, but only question the amount he spends for his trips."

On two names of officials missing from the list he gave yesterday, Lim said state secretariat staff Oon Lai Kuan paid for his wife's trip.

He added that his special officer on manufacturing, industries and investment was funded by Invest Penang.

He also said the Penang Municipal will also provide details of expenses as three of its key staff were on the trip as well.