PKR Youth chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim has hit back at UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh after the latter accused him of failing to understand the basics of government finances.
Muhammad Kamil said his earlier remarks concerning allocations for the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) were based on an official explanation by Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican, rather than figures or information taken out of context.
The political secretary to the Finance Minister said a statement issued by Johan on Wednesday clearly stated that there were no restrictions on allocations for KKDW’s rural road projects, with the funds having been fully channelled.
According to Muhammad Kamil, the issue involving payments to contractors arose when the current year’s allocation was nearly fully utilised.
“MOF’s figures are clear. In 2023, RM1.1 billion was allocated while RM1.8 billion was spent. In 2024, RM1.3 billion was allocated and RM2 billion was spent.
“For 2025, RM1.6 billion was allocated and RM2.3 billion was spent. Three consecutive years.
“If my statement, which was based on the Treasury secretary-general’s explanation, is considered as ‘not understanding the basics of government finances’, is Akmal also saying that the Treasury secretary-general does not understand the basics of government finances?” he said in a Facebook post on Thursday.
Akmal had earlier criticised Muhammad Kamil over KKDW’s spending, which he claimed had exceeded its approved allocation.
The Merlimau assemblyman also claimed that Muhammad Kamil did not properly understand the fundamentals of government finances despite holding an important position within the ministry.
Muhammad Kamil subsequently described Johan as a competent and meticulous senior MOF civil servant who was more knowledgeable about the administration of the country’s finances.
“Of course, he is more knowledgeable than ‘Tuan Kassim Patalon’,” he said.
At the same time, Muhammad Kamil stressed that he was not questioning the money spent on building roads for rural communities, arguing that people in those areas deserved development.
“But providing the development needed by the people and maintaining discipline in managing public funds are not two conflicting things.
“If this is how they administer and manage financial procedures, it is no wonder institutions such as Tabung Haji (TH) and Felda nearly collapsed previously. Not to mention being involved in a massive scandal such as 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB),” he said.
