KUALA LUMPUR: Ayer Hitam member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has called for a clearer explanation of the RM2.1 billion discrepancy between approved allocations and actual expenditure by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) from 2023 to 2025, saying the difference should not automatically be interpreted as embezzlement.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Wee said the Finance Ministry's statement could confuse the public without a proper explanation of government spending procedures.
He cited figures showing that the ministry spent RM1.8 billion in 2023 against an allocation of RM1.1 billion, RM2 billion in 2024 against RM1.3 billion, and RM2.3 billion in 2025 against RM1.6 billion.
"If we examine a media statement by the treasury secretary-general, for someone who has never been in government, they would be confused.
"Because the approved allocation is RM1.1 billion but the actual expenditure is RM1.8 billion," he said.
Wee said ministries had to justify additional spending and obtain approval from the Finance Ministry, with projects closely monitored.
He said the discrepancy could lead the public to assume that RM2.1 billion had been misappropriated.
"So when the treasury secretary-general issues something like this without clear explanation, many will be confused and assume as if there was an embezzlement of RM2.1 billion," he said.
He added that the Finance Ministry scrutinised procurement decisions, including possible changes to contract terms or contractors.
Wee said any allegation of embezzlement should be assessed based on facts rather than differences between approved allocations and actual expenditure.
"To clear the name of any government, if there are changes in terms of cost, it is a matter that needs to be explained well," he said.
On Sept 2, the Finance Ministry said KKDW had exceeded its annual budget for rural road projects for four consecutive years.
Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican attributed recent delays in contractor payments to KKDW having nearly exhausted its current-year allocation after years of spending beyond approved budgets.
On Oct 6, Kampar MP Chong Zhemin lodged a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over the RM2.1 billion discrepancy.
He also called on the MACC to investigate Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's role as the minister responsible for the expenditure in question.
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