DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng wants the Federal Government to act against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for allowing his Rural and Regional Development Ministry to overspend its annual allocations.
Lim, who is a former finance minister, said that the Treasury needs to act against the ministry and minister as an example to other ministries.
"This is to ensure that the financial standing of the country is stable and its assets safeguarded against abuses," said Lim in a statement.
If it is true that the ministry had overspent, it is irresponsible on the part of Ahmad Zahid, as it flouts the regulations and procedures for prudent spending.
"It also invites scrutiny on the part of the government," said Lim.
"What transpired in the ministry has threatened the financial security and economic stability of the country.
“Can one envision if other ministries also behave similarly without considering if the country can afford it or not?"
It was recently revealed by the Treasury that the Rural Ministry had spent RM1.8 billion in 2023 while the allocation accorded was only RM1.1 billion.
In 2024, the expenditure was RM2 billion compared to an allocation of RM1.3 billion, whereas last year, the records showed RM2.3 billion spent while the allocation was only RM1.6 billion.
"Something is clearly wrong," said Lim, who is also the Bagan MP.
The total amount which the ministry overspent over the past three years was RM2.1 billion from the period of 2023 to 2025.
"This is a huge sum. Previously, the ministry was not red-flagged."
As a deputy premier, Ahmad Zahid needs to show more leadership, especially one who is careful when spending the public taxpayers' money.
"Ahmad Zahid needs to also explain to the people," said Lim. - September 4, 2026.
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