Opposition’s motion to reduce PM’s overseas travel budget defeated in parliament

The opposition’s motion to reduce the Prime Minister’s overseas travel budget of 1.5 million dollars for next year by $700,000 has been defeated in parliament.

SODLEPA MP Salote Radrodro moved the motion to reduce the overseas travel budget.

NFP parliamentarian Tupou Draunidalo then said that they should reduce the Prime Minister’s overseas travels by reducing the budgetted amount.

Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola says it is necessary for the country that the Prime Minister attends the overseas meetings.

Acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Draunidalo’s comment does not make sense.

He says the government is trying to ensure that the right amount of allocation is made for expenditure.