RM600 billion issue: Nothing out of the ordinary, says Zafrul

KUALA LUMPUR - International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz says the funds involving several economic stimulus packages since 2020 are implemented transparently.

The former finance minister said there was nothing out of the ordinary following the allegations of misappropriation of funds.

"There is nothing unusual (involving the management of funds). However, I am prepared to cooperate if I am called by the related agency. We are very transparent.

"As I have stated, we have a weekly report (Implementation Report). It has never been done before.

"The report was handed to the media and even the public could obtain it," he said in an exclusive interview with CNBC, today.

He confirmed that no agencies have tried to contact him including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) regarding the investigation on the misappropriation of funds.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim after chairing the special Cabinet meeting on Dec 5, last year said the Finance Ministry confirmed that there was a serious breach of procedure regarding the alleged expenditure of almost RM600 billion during the government administration led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin previously stated he was not afraid of any investigation and swore he had never taken a single sen that was not his.

He said the total expenditures were not RM600 billion, but RM530 billion covering eight economic stimulus packages and most of them were non-fiscal which meant that it did not involve government spending. - AWANI