The Local Government and Urban Well-being Ministry (KPKT) has scrapped approvals for local government projects in parliamentary constituencies where BN lost.

This is according to a letter issued by Local Government Department director general Abu Bakar Johar, dated March 17.

The directive applies for all BP 1 projects, which according to the KPKT website, refers to small scale infrastructure projects at the local council level.

Abu Bakar said the decision was made in a meeting on March 9 to "streamline allocations for BP 1 projects" for the year 2017, attended by KPKT minister Noh Omar and all mayors and heads of local governments.

In the letter, he said local governments are instructed to "cancel all BP 1 projects for the year 2017 approved in local governments in parliamentary constituencies held by non-BN parties"..

"Warrants for budget allocations which have been issued to implement these projects are cancelled," he said.

Local governments are also instructed to list out all approved BP 1 projects, to be handed over to BN Members of Parliament during a meeting between Noh and the BN MPs.

Penang executive councillor in charge of local government Chow Kon Yeow confirmed receiving the letter.

Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming said he will issue a letter of demand to Noh to retract the letter in seven days or he will file a legal suit to quash the order.

He estimates that more than 20 million people will be affected as the BP 1 projects involve basic amenities, in 89 constituencies.

"It is believed that such letter is part of BN's campaign against the opposition in facing the next general election. However, such letter of instruction not only draws stark criticism but can also be perceived as mala fide, unconstitutional and blatant abuse of power by the ministry," he said.

Malaysiakini has contacted Noh and Abu Bakar for comment.