TENSIONS escalated within the Cabinet as two ministers fired back at Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein dismissing his recent claims that they lacked interest in the Budget 2024.
The Sembrong MP pointed out that while he closely followed the budget announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier this month, there had been no immediate action taken, particularly by cabinet ministers.
Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh both labelled Hishammuddin’s statements as “unfair” and “biassed,” insisting that all cabinet ministers were dedicated to delivering the initiatives outlined in the budget.
“(His) statement, unsubstantiated with evidence and is grossly unfair and biassed. We are fully committed to serving and delivering all financial initiatives stated in the budget,” news portal New Straits Times quoted Nga as saying.
The Teluk Intan MP went on to claim that his ministry had outlined 15 financial initiatives aimed at benefiting communities nationwide.
These initiatives include substantial allocations, such as RM100 mil for the construction of 7,000 solar green kiosks to support small traders, RM110 mil for the upgrade of 200 markets across the country, and RM50 mil for the installation of LED and solar energy street lights.
Additionally, RM150 mil has been allocated for the refurbishment of public toilets nationwide and for the Prima project which aims to complete 9,500 units of affordable housing by the year’s end.
“All the above are people’s-centric community projects that are near the hearts of the people,” he added.
Moreover, Yeoh echoed similar sentiments labelling Hishammuddin’s remarks as unjust. She stressed that several ministers promptly shared the details of the budget initiatives with the public following Anwar’s announcement earlier this month.
“(The statement) is unfair. So many of us responded to media the day it was announced on Friday and every event I go to, I take the opportunity to explain budget initiatives to stakeholders.” – Oct 27, 2023
