Hamzah was quoted as saying that 2016 is going to be a rocky year for the country due to the global economic downturn alongside the reduced budget allocations of all ministries and agencies.
“I see eye to eye with the secretary-general’s proposal to implement measures in our department for our staff. We will not serve meals during meetings after this, and everyone is encouraged to pack their own lunch [to the office].
“Starting tomorrow, I’ll also bring my own rice to cook in the office. I welcome those who want to join me during lunch hour,” he said in jest.
Realising the challenges that lie ahead, he remarked: “We should not be afraid of challenges and must embrace them head-on. We must also work together as a team in order to achieve our goals.”
Hamzah said that many baseless accusations have been hurled against the ministry but hopes that everyone will work together during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, the minister also pointed out that the allocations for the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism had been cut down to 16% and 23% in 2015 and this year, respectively.
“This is equivalent to almost 40% in reduction in [budget allocations for the ministry] for the two years combined,” the daily reported him as saying.
“The ministry has held meetings pertaining this matter and we will try our best to use the limited allocations wisely. At the same time, we will also seek to recover debts from the relevant bodies,” he added.
-mD
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