PETALING JAYA: A deputy minister who was criticised for taking a holiday in New Zealand says he got approval and complied with all requirements before travelling. Datuk Seri Dr Edmund Santhara Kumar (pic) said he had applied for a 55-day leave through the Federal Territories (FT) Minister to obtain the Prime Minister’s approval via a letter dated Dec 3,2020. “I also complied with the Immigration Department’s procedure to apply for permission to leave the country by applying for MyTravelPass online. “I was unable to witness my nine-year-old child’s holy communion ceremony as I had been busy with my duties as Deputy FT Minister and Segamat MP. “I have never applied for sick leave or taken a holiday since I was appointed Deputy Minister on March 10,2020.

Source: The Star March 01, 2021 23:15 UTC