Kuala lumpur: Difference of views regarding allocations for the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), which is overseen by the Ministry of Finance (MoF), will not affect the strength of political cooperation between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN), said Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim. He noted that differences in approach on certain matters were typical in political partnerships and had been handled effectively in past elections.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muhammad Kamil emphasized that there is no issue of the cooperation being affected. He revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has suggested resolving the issue between KKDW and MoF through internal discussions between the involved parties. He made these remarks after attending the National Khatam Keris Traditional Ceremony organized by the Perak branch of the Persatuan Silat Seni Gayong Malaysia and the Silat Anak-Anak Gayong Perak Gathering at Teluk Batik Campsite.
Muhammad Kamil, who also serves as the political secretary to the Finance Minister, stated that discussions at the MoF level would prioritize reviewing allocation requirements and ensure priority is given to high-impact rural community development projects. This issue gained attention following varied statements from leaders of the two coalitions about allocations for rural development projects, leading to speculation about the harmony of PH-BN political ties ahead of the Melaka state election.
The concerns arose after Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also serves as Minister of Rural and Regional Development, mentioned problems faced by contractors due to delays in payments for projects under his ministry. Ahmad Zahid highlighted the necessity to resolve the issue to prevent ongoing payment problems for contractors executing government projects.
On a related note, Treasury Secretary-General Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican clarified on Wednesday that there were no restrictions on KKDW allocations for rural road projects and that the entire allocation had been disbursed. He attributed constraints in the payment process to contractors to the fact that the current year's allocation was nearly exhausted.
In another development, Muhammad Kamil addressed Kepong Member of Parliament Lim Lip Eng's proposal to reintroduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST), describing it as a personal view based on his analysis. He affirmed that the government's current stance remains to continue implementing the Sales and Services Tax (SST), with any policy changes needing to consider current circumstances and needs. Muhammad Kamil noted that policy adjustments could occur as situations and timing change, but for now, the government's approach is to maintain the existing policy.
Yesterday, Lim suggested the government consider reinstating the GST and implementing it properly if it proves more effective than the SST.