Zahid denies trying to sabotage unity government with shelved projects remarks

Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has firmly rejected allegations that he attempted to undermine the unity government through his statements regarding the suspension of several rural development projects in Sabah and Sarawak. During a press conference following an event in Jasin, Melaka, Zahid emphasized that the claims of delayed or canceled letters of acceptance for these projects were accurate.

He expressed readiness to present documented proof of the official directive issued, countering the claims against him. "I have no intention to do that (sabotage), but those are the facts," Zahid stated. The Deputy Prime Minister also confirmed that all letters of acceptance for the projects had been canceled as a result of an official directive.

Zahid pointed out that the concerns over the shelving of these projects in Sabah and Sarawak, as well as infrastructural challenges in rural areas across the peninsula, have been raised by Jelutong MP RSN Rayer. Rayer alleged that Zahid's remarks painted the government as neglectful of infrastructural needs in these regions and suggested a possible conspiracy between Zahid and the opposition to overthrow the government.

The finance minister, II Amir Hamzah Azizan, had previously clarified that no projects had been cancelled, as funds for the shelved projects had been set aside. Last week, while concluding the debate on the 2027 budget, Zahid had claimed that the projects were halted at the behest of the rural and regional development ministry's secretary-general, despite the provision of funds for them.

However, Amir later denied these claims, stating that the ministry had merely been instructed to delay awarding new road contracts until outstanding bills were settled.