MOF Clarifies No Directive to Cancel Rural Road Projects; Tengku Zafrul Denies Cancellation Orders

The MOF stated that it had never issued an order or directive to cancel rural road projects. According to Tengku Zafrul, the ministry only postponed or suspended new contracts to prevent further increases in payment arrears to contractors. The MOF's actions were reported in two separate articles from the same source on the same day, highlighting a strategic move to manage financial obligations and public debt. Sources diverge on the exact phrasing of the MOF's actions. One article refers to the MOF's action as 'postponing new contracts,' while the other uses 'suspending new contracts.' Additionally, one article mentions 'payment arrears to contractors,' while the other uses 'continued increase of payment arrears to contractors.' The terminology also varies between 'order' and 'directive.' Despite these differences, both articles agree that the MOF did not cancel rural road projects and that the actions were taken to manage financial obligations.