KUALA LUMPUR: There is no reason for Putrajaya to sideline any state in its efforts to accelerate economic development, says Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
The Economy Minister said there is no truth to claims that the government was sidelining development in four Perikatan Nasional-governed states, collectively known as SG4.
Citing Kelantan as an example, he said 509 projects worth RM31.21bil were planned for the state in 2027.
He added that Federal allocations for development expenditure in the four states were 6.8 times higher than the amount requested.
"As we discuss ways to accelerate economic development, the federal government sees no need to sideline any state. I hope the other side will make fairer statements," he said when winding up the Budget 2027 debate for the Economy Ministry in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 29).
Akmal said comparisons of development allocations should take into account each state's level of development and the need to narrow development gaps between states.
"For more developed states, the cost of infrastructure development may be borne by the state government when new industrial areas are opened.
"However, for areas such as Tok Bali in Kelantan and Kulim Hi-Tech Park, the Federal government needs to provide allocations, including for land acquisition, to ensure development can proceed and gaps between states can be narrowed," he said.
