What power did the Finance Minister hold regarding project approvals?

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The Finance Minister possessed the authority to decide on the action taken regarding companies' applications for government projects.

As the Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz held the ultimate discretion to either act on or dismiss applications submitted by companies seeking government projects. While he confirmed he had the power to not proceed with an application, he also stated that if such applications were forwarded by the Prime Minister, he would ensure they were put forward for consideration by the Finance Ministry. This power extended to applications that reached the Finance Ministry or were brought directly to his attention, regardless of their origin.
Authority Over Applications

Tengku Zafrul affirmed that the Finance Ministry's consideration of project applications was contingent upon them reaching his ministry or being brought to his notice. He clarified that minutes from the Prime Minister, including those for Jana Wibawa projects, served as notifications to look into the companies' applications, rather than final directives. He agreed that such minutes were not unusual and were a standard way of highlighting matters for review.
Discretionary Power and Prime Ministerial Input

The Finance Minister acknowledged that he could choose not to proceed with an application if the Prime Minister's minutes explicitly indicated a lack of agreement, such as a statement of "I do not agree." However, he maintained that if an application was indeed from the Prime Minister, he would act to ensure it received consideration. This indicates a process where the Prime Minister could flag applications, but the final decision remained with the Finance Minister.
Jana Wibawa Project Applications

Specifically concerning the Jana Wibawa program, Tengku Zafrul confirmed that lists of companies forwarded by the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) were for the Finance Ministry's consideration for government projects. He agreed that these lists, including a notable list of 54 companies, did not imply preferential treatment or that any specific companies should be favoured. The minutes from the Prime Minister for these projects were described as a directive to "bring to my attention for consideration."
Scope of Prime Ministerial Involvement

Tengku Zafrul agreed that the Prime Minister or the PMO did not interfere or meddle in the awarding of projects or the evaluation of companies' qualifications. When a list of companies was brought to his attention, it signified that these companies should be considered for projects, not necessarily that they would be approved or awarded. He also concurred that officers would typically compile such information for economic stimulus packages, and a list enclosed in a letter signed by the Prime Minister did not necessarily mean the Prime Minister personally prepared the list's contents.

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What power did the Finance Minister hold regarding project approvals?

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