Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim has strongly rejected allegations that the federal government discriminates against opposition-led states, questioning why Kedah Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has maintained his claims that Putrajaya is treating Kedah unfairly, even as the federal government continues to roll out development initiatives for the state.
Speaking at a Pakatan Harapan ceramah on the eve of the Johor state election, Anwar said he had just concluded discussions with Thailand's leadership to boost cross-border infrastructure that would directly benefit Kedah, only to find Sanusi publicly criticising the federal government.
Anwar's blunt public message to Sanusi: "Does he realise I was working to help Kedah?"
The prime minister was referring to the opening of a new road connecting the Bukit Kayu Hitam border checkpoint with Thailand's Sadao checkpoint, a strategic project expected to strengthen trade, tourism and economic activities across Kedah, Perlis and southern Thailand.
Anwar stressed that his administration does not distinguish between states based on political affiliation, insisting that national development should benefit all Malaysians.
He said Kedah may be governed by PAS, but it is still my responsibility to help the rakyat and develop Malaysia.
Sanusi had earlier accused Putrajaya of favouring Penang after allocating RM16 billion for the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. Speaking during the Johor election campaign, the Kedah menteri besar argued that such a large allocation demonstrated that states not aligned with the federal government were being sidelined.
However, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow dismissed the allegation as unfounded, highlighting the state's financial contribution to the nation.
According to Chow, Prime Minister Anwar had informed Parliament that Penang contributed an average of RM10.7 billion annually in tax revenue between 2023 and 2025 but received only about RM7.9 billion a year in federal allocations.
He noted that several states, including Kedah, had actually received substantially more federal funding relative to the taxes they contributed, reflecting the federal government's responsibility to ensure balanced national development.
Chow also pointed to major federal-funded projects in PAS-governed states, including the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which continues to proceed in Kelantan and Terengganu despite both states being under opposition control.
"If political considerations had been the deciding factor, those projects would have been shelved. That has never been the federal government's approach. Projects that benefit the country should continue regardless of who governs the state," he said.
The Penang chief minister added that Penang had waited many years before receiving federal support for major infrastructure projects such as the Mutiara Line LRT and the expansion of Penang International Airport.
Although Penang has repeatedly requested that at least 20% of the taxes collected from the state be returned for development purposes, Chow said the state remained committed to the spirit of federalism.
He cautioned that if every state demanded excessive financial autonomy, it could weaken the federal government and undermine national unity.
Meanwhile, Anwar also criticised PAS over its latest political overture to Barisan Nasional (BN) during the Johor election campaign.
The prime minister questioned PAS's consistency after Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said the party was prepared to back Barisan Nasional (BN) in forming the Johor state government if the coalition did not win enough seats.
Anwar said the offer demonstrated that PAS was willing to set aside its long-standing political differences with BN simply to prevent Pakatan Harapan from governing.
"Where are PAS's principles?" he asked.
The exchange reveals how federal-state relations and the distribution of development funds have become a major issue ahead of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, with both sides seeking to convince voters that they are better positioned to safeguard their state's interests while maintaining national development.
By: Kpost
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