Did GE15 halt flood mitigation project execution?

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GE15 Caused the Halt in Flood Mitigation Project Execution

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the execution of flood mitigation projects, for which RM15 billion had been approved under the previous government, was halted due to the 15th general election (GE15). Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, highlighted concerns regarding the transparency and questionable nature of the approvals for these projects and the selected companies. Consequently, he ordered the Finance Ministry (MOF) to suspend the release of RM7 billion of the allocated RM15 billion for further review.
Questionable Approvals and Lack of Transparency

Anwar indicated that on his initial day at the Finance Ministry, an official confirmed that the funds had been approved but not yet disbursed, with the election being the stated reason for the delay. He further elaborated that approximately RM7 billion of the RM15 billion had been approved and awarded without adhering to a tender process. This lack of due diligence and conventional procedure raised significant concerns about the integrity of these approvals, which Anwar described as not being 'clean' when they deviate from established rules.
Review of Funds for the Benefit of the Poor

The Prime Minister emphasised the critical importance of scrutinising such financial matters, particularly given their impact on vulnerable populations, predominantly the Malay poor. The RM15 billion fund was initially announced as part of the federal government's Flood Mitigation Project 2030, presented in October during the tabling of Budget 2023 by the former finance minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, as a long-term strategy to address climate change impacts.
Suspension of Fund Disbursement

Following the briefing from MOF officials, Anwar took decisive action to suspend the channelling of RM7 billion from the RM15 billion allocation. This suspension is intended to facilitate a thorough review of the approvals and project awards. Anwar expressed his appreciation to senior MOF officials for bringing this matter to his attention, underscoring that approvals made contrary to standard regulations cannot be considered legitimate.

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Did GE15 halt flood mitigation project execution?

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