It is not a split, it is ‘policy deliberation’: Anwar cools talk of ministry feud over budgets

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim clarified on November 5 that internal differences between ministries do not signify a political split within the government. Instead, these variations are a natural part of policy deliberation, and decisions requiring collective agreement are taken to the Cabinet. Hamzah Zainudin, the Opposition Leader, had questioned whether the apparent contradiction between the Finance Ministry and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry indicated a split.

Anwar emphasized that these discrepancies are addressed through discussion and policy deliberation, ensuring effective implementation of the MADANI government's agenda. The prime minister stressed that all decisions are made in the interest of the people, aligned with national development priorities, and the government's financial capacity.

Ultimately, any official stance on government policies necessitates thorough deliberation and coordination by the Cabinet. Anwar also highlighted the government's continuous monitoring of economic performance to maintain resilience amid global uncertainties. The recent debate on Budget 2027 saw Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi deny allegations of overspending at the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, which claimed to have underspent by RM2.1 billion.

The disagreement was further fueled by concerns over delayed payments to contractors, with Treasury Secretary-General Johan Mahmood Merican attributing these delays to the ministry's spending commitments.