After DAP targets Zahid, Selangor BN says probes must be done regardless of party, person, or ministry

 

Selangor BN has weighed in on the issue regarding the RM2.1 billion figure linked to allocations and spending for the Rural Road Programme under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, amid DAP's pressure on Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Selangor BN communications director Armand Azha Abu Hanifah said the party is aware of the allegations and questions raised by several DAP leaders, including Lim Guan Eng, on the matter concerning Zahid's ministry.

He said if the intention is truly to strengthen the integrity of the country's administration, there must be consistency in transparency, accountability, and enforcement regardless of party, ministry, or individual.

"Our stance is clear: if there are complaints and a basis for an investigation, MACC should go ahead and investigate. We respect enforcement institutions and leave it to the legal process.

"However, we cannot condemn any ministry, government official, or involved party solely based on numerical comparisons without understanding the overall structure of government allocations and spending.

"In government financial management, original allocations are not necessarily final allocations," he said in a statement today.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that Kampar MP Chong Zhemin lodged an MACC report against Zahid, adding to the tension between DAP and Umno - parties that are allies in the coalition government.

Chong (above) said Finance Ministry data showed the Rural and Regional Development Ministry spent RM1.8 billion in 2023 compared to an allocation of RM1.1 billion; RM2 billion in 2024 compared to RM1.3 billion; and RM2.3 billion in 2025 compared to RM1.6 billion.

The total difference over the three years is RM2.1 billion.

Changes can happen

Armand explained that changes in allocations could occur due to transfers or additional allocations, restructuring, allocation adjustments, and changes in project commitments, among other things.

"All of these are subject to government financial approvals and procedures.

"A simple scenario: an original allocation of RM100 million, an allocation after amendment of RM400 million, and actual expenditure of RM314 million. If compared to the original allocation, it appears to be 314 percent.

"But when compared to the allocation after amendment, it becomes 78.5 percent," he said.

Therefore, he stressed that numbers that appear large cannot automatically be construed as proof of wrongdoing.

"What needs to be examined is the full set of documents such as original allocations, allocation amendments, transfer approvals, contract commitments, procurement processes, supporting documents, approval dates, and compliance with financial procedures.

"If there is wrongdoing, take action. If there is misappropriation, prosecute. If guilty, punish. But if all procedures were followed, do not selectively use figures to build a political perception," said Armand.

He said if there are questions regarding contracts, tenders, payments, corporate structure, or relationships with government agencies, then a thorough inspection and audit should be undertaken.

"Don't just look at one ministry or one contract. Look at the entire ecosystem.

"Contracts, tenders, payments, government agencies, corporate structure, beneficiaries, and business relationships. If everything is valid, explain it to the rakyat. If there are violations of the law, take action," he explained.

Armand also drew attention to issues linked to DAP leaders, including an issue involving MyEG Sdn Bhd and Zetrix AI Bhd under the MYEG Group - whose services as collection agents were recently suspended over their failure to settle RM314 million in collection payments owed to the Road Transport Department (RTD).

The controversy sparked fresh calls for Transport Minister Anthony Loke to quit, even though he had already resigned. - Mkini