Malaysian political leaders clash over KKDW ministry funding

A political dispute has emerged between UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh and AMK Chief Kamil Munim regarding the management of funds for the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).

Dr Akmal criticized officials for allegedly failing to understand national financial procedures. He claimed that while certain projects received approval from the Ministry of Finance, the allocated funds did not reach the KKDW. He suggested that spending exceeding approved limits without proper oversight is a systemic issue.

In response, Kamil Munim defended the government's financial administration, citing explanations from the Treasury Secretary-General, Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican. Kamil argued that there are no restrictions on KKDW allocations and that funds for rural roads have been fully disbursed. He pointed to data showing that KKDW's spending has consistently exceeded its allocated budget for three consecutive years: RM1.8 billion spent against RM1.1 billion allocated in 2023, RM2.0 billion against RM1.3 billion in 2024, and RM2.3 billion against RM1.6 billion for 2025.