KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has rejected allegations that he was attempting to undermine the MADANI Government by disclosing the cancellation or postponement of rural development projects in Sabah and Sarawak.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, insisted that his statements about instructions to suspend or cancel Letters of Acceptance (SSTs) for the projects were factual, Bernama reported.
He said he was prepared to produce official documents to support his claims, including evidence that instructions had been issued to cancel the SSTs.
“I had no such intention (to sabotage the government). Whether the projects have been postponed or cancelled, the fact remains that there were instructions to cancel all SSTs that have been or are due to be issued.
“I have documentary evidence of the instructions. I can show it,” he told reporters after officiating the MARA Higher Education and TVET Tour 2026 programme in Melaka today.
His remarks came after Jelutong MP RSN Rayer questioned his earlier statement on the cancellation of rural development projects in Sabah and Sarawak during a debate in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Rayer had described Ahmad Zahid’s disclosure as an attempt to sabotage the MADANI Government.
Separately, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, called on all candidates and parties contesting the 16th Melaka State Election to conduct their campaigns responsibly and respect democratic rules.
He cautioned against exaggerating minor issues or allowing trivial matters to develop into unnecessary controversies.
“I hope we campaign in a good and clean manner. The people have already made up their minds regarding the choice of candidates, so these minor or trivial matters should not be used as an excuse.
“This is a democratic country. We contest according to the rules, and we hope unnecessary issues will not be raised and prolonged. What is important is that on Nov 14, we will see where the support of voters in Melaka lies,” he said.
He was responding to a question about a police report lodged against a BN candidate over allegations of misusing government facilities for campaigning.
Polling for the Melaka election is scheduled for Nov 14, with early voting taking place on Nov 10. – November 3, 2026