No more politicians as envoys but yet DAP chairman Tan Kok Wai appointed

PETALING JAYA - Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai has been appointed the prime minister’s special envoy to China.

This was confirmed by Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah today, Berita Harian reported.

He said the Cabinet had decided to appoint Tan as the envoy and also head of the Malaysia-China Business Council.

This council was set up to improve ties between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing.

Tan told the daily his appointment was effective from Aug 1.

Under the BN administration, Ong Ka Ting was the special envoy to China and also chairman of the council from 2011 till January this year.

Tan’s appointment had been met with criticism from opposition leaders, as Pakatan Harapan had previously criticised the BN government over such appointments, deeming them a waste of funds.

•  No more politicians as envoys, says foreign ministry