MP calls for PAC inquiry on PM’s maiden working visit to Japan

Klang MP Charles Santiago said the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) should consider looking into Jovian Mandagie’s role during the prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s official visit to Japan. 

Charles (above) told Malaysiakini that it was also important for the PAC to set the standards on who may accompany the prime ministers and ministers on official visits to overseas countries. 

“What was the role of this man’s (Jovian) presence or his contribution towards the prime minister’s visit?

“Is it just because he had a policy role at that meeting? And that’s something the prime minister can’t tell you because he’s an interested party. 

“Therefore, in terms of governance and transparency in the way the government spends its money, the PAC should call for an inquiry and then set the standards on who can accompany the prime minister as well as ministers when they go out of the country for official meetings. 

“I think that’s the way to approach this problem in terms of our long-term policy,” he said. 

Charles said this after Jovian, who is the prime minister’s son-in-law, was spotted in a picture of Ismail Sabri’s meeting with Itabashi Mayor Takeshi Sakamoto on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan that was uploaded to Bernama’s Twitter account. 

Jovian Mandagie

This led to netizens and MPs questioning if he had been brought to Japan on public funds. 

Japan only announced on Thursday (May 26) that it would reopen to tourists from 36 countries, including Malaysia, starting June 10, following a two-year pandemic closure. 

However, said travellers would only be allowed in with tour groups. 

Prior to June 10, according to the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry's website, foreign nationals may only enter the country for a short-term stay of fewer than three months for business or employment purposes.

‘Critical questions need answering’

Meanwhile, Charles alleged that there are accusations that over 100 people had tagged along in the prime minister’s maiden working visit to Japan.

“So what were the 100 people doing at the visit? Of course, it was a one-week trip and there were many agencies involved but who is paying for them?

“The government can say this money was paid by the private sector (but) we have no way to know, therefore only an inquiry can tell us whether these (100 people) were part of the entourage and their specific roles.

“Only an investigation or inquiry into the (prime minister’s) trip will tell you exactly what transpired, who paid for it, and why people who have no formal role in policymaking are involved and have access to those kinds of meetings.

“These are the more critical questions that need to be answered,” he added.  - Mkini