Lim Guan Eng calls for MACC action on Zahid over RM2.1b ministry overspending, cites UiTM precedent

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — Lim Guan Eng, the MP for Bagan, has called for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to launch an investigation into Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi over an alleged RM2.1 billion overspend at the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW). Lim argued that the anti-graft agency should apply the same scrutiny to KKDW as it did in its recent probe into Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), where mismanagement led to the diversion of nearly RM260 million into the institution's investment arm, UiTM Holdings, without proper approval from the Ministry of Finance.

According to official Finance Ministry data, KKDW overspent by RM1.8 billion in 2023, RM2 billion in 2024, and RM2.3 billion in 2025, all during Zahid's tenure as rural and regional development minister. This cumulative overspend of RM2.1 billion is attributed to his time in office and represents a breach of financial procedures and regulations.

Lim urged swift action to deter similar fiscal misconduct from other federal ministries and prevent MACC from facing accusations of selective prosecution based on Zahid's high position.