Citing an example, Anwar said his office had immediately approved Kelantan’s request for a flood mitigation project at Sungai Golok yesterday as it was urgently needed.

He said while political parties would “battle it out” during elections, the state and federal governments must always work together.

“Yesterday, when the Kelantan menteri besar met me and asked for more flood mitigation projects (in the state), I said yes. This involves a large sum of money and will take place at Sungai Golok. The flood issue in Kelantan is serious.

“This is the reality. That’s why I want to differentiate between fact and fiction, (since some are) falsely claiming that we are cruel, when we are not.

“I hope we can celebrate our differences to strengthen our unity,” he said at the launch of the Mengkuang Titi mosque project near Kubang Semang here today.

The event was also attended by Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, Perikatan Nasional’s Permatang Pauh MP Fawwaz Jan and Permatang Pauh Umno division chief Zaidi Said.

Anwar said his government celebrated differences in order to keep the ummah united, but maintained that he would not tolerate corrupt practices, especially those trying to take “a cut” from government projects.

Earlier, he announced that Putrajaya will channel some RM5.4 million for the construction of the Mengkuang Titi mosque, which costs RM9 million. The Penang government will contribute RM1.1 million while donations from residents will cover the remaining costs.

The mosque, which can accommodate 3,000 worshippers, will be completed in 2025.

Anwar also said the Penang Bumiputera Development Council will be revamped to better help the community, with former state secretary Khalid Ramli leading the committee.