KUALA LUMPUR: Differences in views or approaches between ministries do not necessarily reflect divisions within the government, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said such differences were part of the process of policy discussions and deliberations, which took into account the respective responsibilities, jurisdictions and priorities of each ministry.
This was to ensure that the Madani government's agenda could be implemented effectively, he said.
“The government will always ensure that coordination between ministries is carried out in an orderly manner to ensure policy alignment and avoid overlapping functions.
“The government also ensures that every decision is made in the interests of the people, the country's development priorities and the government's financial capacity,” he said in a written parliamentary reply on Thursday (Nov 5).
He was responding to Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut) who asked whether the open disagreement between the Finance Ministry and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry indicates a division within the government, and who determines the government's official position.
The issue arose following a RM2.1bil discrepancy between the original allocation and actual expenditure for the Rural Road Programme (JALB) from 2023 to 2025, which Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said did not indicate missing funds or misappropriation.
The Rural and Regional Development Minister said the discrepancy arose from a comparison of actual expenditure of RM6.108bil against the original allocation of RM3.982bil, without taking into account the revised allocation.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the country's economic performance continued to be monitored using current economic data and indicators to assess the effectiveness of implemented policies, while ensuring that the country's economic resilience was further strengthened in the face of global economic uncertainties.
“To ensure effective governance, every government policy and decision must undergo the appropriate process of consideration and coordination.
“Matters requiring collective decisions will be brought before the Cabinet for consideration and approval, in line with the principle of collective Cabinet responsibility.
“Accordingly, the government will continue to strengthen cooperation between ministries, improve the effectiveness of policy implementation and monitor the progress of each initiative to ensure that decisions made are translated into tangible, sustainable outcomes that benefit the people,” he said.
