Did Tengku Zafrul have discretion to reject PM-proposed companies?

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Tengku Zafrul Had Discretion to Consider, Not Necessarily Approve, PM-Proposed Companies

Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz confirmed that while he had the authority as finance minister to decide on acting upon applications for government projects, any forwarded by the prime minister would be ensured consideration by the Finance Ministry. He testified that the minutes from the prime minister were typically directives to bring matters to his attention for consideration, rather than final approvals. Tengku Zafrul served as finance minister from March 2020 to August 2021, during which he received company applications for government projects, particularly under the Jana Wibawa program, often accompanied by handwritten notes from then-Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Role of Prime Minister's Minutes

Tengku Zafrul clarified that while he possessed the power to act or not act on applications reaching the Finance Ministry, directives from the prime minister would prompt action to ensure consideration. He agreed that Muhyiddin's minutes served to "bring to my attention for consideration," and his response would be to "act to ensure it is put to consideration." However, he also noted that such minutes could indicate a negative decision, for instance, if Muhyiddin had stated "I do not agree."
Consideration vs. Approval for Jana Wibawa Projects

Specifically concerning projects under the Jana Wibawa initiative, Tengku Zafrul affirmed that Muhyiddin's communications were essentially notifications and requests to review the companies' applications. He agreed that a list of 54 companies forwarded by Muhyiddin did not signify preferential treatment or that any company should be favoured, but rather that they "should be considered."
Absence of Interference in Project Awards

Tengku Zafrul testified that there was no interference or meddling by Muhyiddin, either as prime minister or through the Prime Minister's Office, in the awarding or evaluation processes of government projects. He also agreed that the prime minister would not typically micromanage every aspect of economic stimulus packages, with officers usually compiling such lists. Therefore, a letter signed by the prime minister was not necessarily indicative that he personally prepared the contents.

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Did Tengku Zafrul have discretion to reject PM-proposed companies?

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