Anwar Ibrahim denies discrimination in development fund distribution

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has rejected allegations of political discrimination regarding the distribution of Constituency Development Funds (CDF). Responding to inquiries in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar clarified that development allocations are directed toward specific projects—such as repairing dilapidated schools, religious institutions, and rural roads—rather than being handed directly to Members of Parliament.

To counter claims of bias against opposition-held areas, Anwar cited Terengganu, noting that federal allocations for the state are set to increase to RM8.23 billion for 2027, up from RM6 billion in 2022. He emphasized that project selection is based on national priorities, local needs, and the input of state governments and district offices.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed that certain rural development projects in Sabah and Sarawak, including 13 rural road projects in Sabah, were cancelled despite available funding. This follows an instruction from the Ministry of Finance to suspend the issuance of Letters of Acceptance (SST) for certain rural road programs. Zahid noted that these projects are expected to be resumed in the following year.