Anwar: Differences of opinion between ministries do not mean government is divided

KUALA LUMPUR: Differences in views or approaches between ministries do not reflect divisions within the government, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

He said such differences were part of the policy discussion and deliberation process, taking into account each ministry's responsibilities, jurisdiction and priorities to ensure the effective implementation of the government's agenda.

Anwar said the government ensured proper coordination between ministries to maintain policy consistency, avoid overlapping functions and ensure decisions were guided by public interest, national development priorities and the government's financial capacity.

"At the same time, the country's economic performance is continuously monitored based on current data and economic indicators.

"This is to assess the effectiveness of policies implemented and ensure the resilience of the national economy is strengthened in facing global economic uncertainties," he said in a written parliamentary reply published on the parliament website today.

He was responding to Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), who asked whether open disagreements between the Finance Ministry and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry indicated divisions within the government, and who had the final say on the government's official position.

Anwar said that, to ensure effective governance, all government policies and decisions must undergo the necessary deliberation and coordination.

"Matters requiring collective decisions will be brought before the Cabinet for consideration and approval, in line with the principle of collective Cabinet responsibility.

"Accordingly, the government will continue to strengthen cooperation between ministries, improve policy implementation and monitor the progress of each initiative.

"This is to ensure decisions translate into tangible, sustainable outcomes that benefit the people," he said.

Previously, Lim Guan Eng questioned the Rural and Regional Development Ministry's spending on rural road projects, which he claimed had exceeded the original allocation by RM2.1 billion between 2023 and 2025.

However, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi clarified that the original allocation for the period was RM3.982 billion before being revised to RM6.143 billion, while actual expenditure stood at RM6.108 billion.

On Oct 29, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the Finance Ministry had approved an additional RM500 million for the ministry through an Expenditure Approval Letter (SKB) to help settle outstanding payments to contractors.

He said a Variation Notice (NOC) amounting to RM491 million had also been approved earlier.