Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad is surprised by the allegation that his cronies had secured most of the projects under the 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP).

The premier, who unveiled the RM200 billion plan - the first for his administration - on March 31, denied the accusation.

According to a Bernama report, the allegation was made by an opposition paper which the national news agency did not name.

The paper had claimed that 80 percent of the projects under the 9MP had been lapped up by those linked to the premier.

"I am surprised. It's not even a month after the 9MP has been announced, how could they possibly grab all the projects?" asked a puzzled Abdullah.

Poverty eradication

In a related matter, the premier said that he wanted to see the impact of poverty eradication prgrammes under the 9MP.

He said an average outcome after all the allocation has been spent would not suffice.

It is important that the implementation of poverty eradication projects, especially hardcore poverty, are achieved in a cost effective manner and the target groups are able to enhance their ability.

"For example, for an allocation of RM100,000 it's not proper to spend RM60,000 on administrative cost and only the remaining RM40,000 utilised for the poverty eradication projects," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Therefore, he said the Rural and Regional Development Ministry would coordinate all the poverty eradication projects except those which involve agricultural projects.

Abdullah said the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) would also monitor the money spent and the impact of the project.

Balanced development

Replying to questions, Abdullah said the administrative cost of projects depends on the circumstances.

For example, the administrative cost may be higher to build a school in the interiors as helicopters might be used to ferry construction materials. In such a situation, it is alright, in others it is not, he said.

He also said the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department would get ready an implementation plan for poverty eradication projects to ensure the implementation by government agencies are more systematic.

Abdullah said the ministry not only has to develop the existing regions but also new regions like the development corridor in the north, east Sabah and Sarawak.

They also have to balance the development in the regions apart from among sectors in the regions involved.

The ministry must also ensure there is no duplication of projects between regions and the distribution of projects are more effective.