Anwar: Differences of opinion between ministries don't mean split in govt

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that differing opinions or approaches among various ministries do not signify a split within the government. Such discrepancies are a natural part of the discussion process, ensuring that every policy and decision is thoroughly coordinated and aligned with the respective responsibilities and priorities of each ministry, he asserted.

Every policy and decision must be discussed and coordinated to ensure effective governance, stated Anwar in a written parliamentary reply. Matters necessitating a collective decision are referred to the Cabinet for consideration and approval, adhering to the principle of collective responsibility.

This response came in reaction to a question posed by Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), who inquired about the conflicting answers provided by the finance ministry and the rural and regional development ministry regarding certain matters. The finance ministry, led by Anwar, and the rural and regional development ministry recently clashed over funds related to the latter's projects.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who serves as the rural and regional development minister, expressed frustration over delayed payments to contractors working on ministry projects, alleging that some businesses had been compelled to cease operations due to cash flow challenges. Treasury Secretary-General Johan Mahmood Merican later clarified that contractors dealing with rural development projects faced payment delays because most of the ministry's rural road allocation for the year had already been utilized.

However, Zahid refuted these claims, asserting that his ministry had not overspent. Earlier in the week, he also made the same assertion in the Dewan Rakyat, stating that projects in Sabah and Sarawak had been cancelled at the behest of the ministry's secretary-general, despite funds being allocated for them. Nevertheless, Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Minister Mustapha Sakmud dismissed these claims as unfounded, explaining that the projects were merely on hold.