Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan has denied abuse of power in granting an extension of time (EOT) for the construction of condominium projects by BHL Group of Companies.

"In the particular case referred to by DAP, there is no abuse of power when I was KPKT minister.

"The decision I took was based on the powers clearly given to KPKT minister as stated in Act 118 (Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966)," said Abdul Rahman, who was Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister (KPKT).

He added that the decision in granting EOT was based on merit and was not influenced by support letters.

"In respect of support letters, I can assure the public that all EOT applications are approved based solely on merit.

"No support letters can supersede the stringent procedures in approving the EOT applications.

"In fact, support letters have no value in determining the approval. Those letters, at best, are just formalities and pleasantries," he said in a statement ...