Tunjuk bukti projek luar bandar batal, Rayer gesa Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) has challenged the claim made by Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi (BN-Bagan Datuk) that the rural development projects in Sabah and Sarawak have been canceled. He has requested clarification on which letter nullified the project. Rayer implored, "Don't play games around here." Referring to Zahid's statement on Tuesday, Rayer said he had evidence of documents related to the cancellation, despite the Ministry of Finance clarifying that no project had received a signed acceptance (SST) letter canceled.

The dispute erupted on October 26 when Zahid, who is also the Minister for Rural Development and Welfare, informed the House of Representatives that some approved projects for this year were delayed on the instructions of his senior officials, even though the allocation was already provided. He stated that the signed acceptance letters submitted to contractors were also canceled.

However, Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan said the government only delayed the issuance of new letters until outstanding payments to contractors were completed, emphasizing that no letters had been canceled. Rayer questioned the motive behind Zahid's claim, which he believes may have caused anger among the MPs from Sabah and Sarawak.

He asked, "Why does the Honorable Datuk make such a lengthy statement, a statement so reckless in this noble House?" The question arose, once again, as to whether Zahid is trying to sabotage the government - a claim Zahid denied earlier this week. Rayer emphasized that he sparked the issue on his own initiative and not by anyone's order.

On Tuesday, Zahid said his statement regarding the postponement or cancellation of the signed acceptance for the involved projects was correct, and he was ready to present documentary evidence of the official instructions.