THAT Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led unity government is only holding the “Madani Malaysia Aidilfitri Open House with PM” in six states that will be facing election in July/August this year raises questions as to whether this is an abuse of government funds and resources.
In the face of the RM1.7 tril national debt, human rights advocate and lawyer Charles Hector has raised suspicion on Anwar’s motive for the open house as the event is not focused on states that already had their state polls in November 2022.
“Anwar has told the PM’s Question Time (PMQT) in the Dewan Rakyat that the nation’s debts and liabilities stand at about RM1.5 tril or 82% of gross domestic product (GDP),” penned Hector on his latest blog.
“That includes 1MDB’s (1Malaysia Development Bhd) debt of RM18.2 bil … Shouldn’t then the government behave differently to reduce spending/debts (in addition to civil servant’s special Raya bonus on top of annual bonus and four toll-free days)?
He added: “The use of government resources/funds and powers to ‘campaign’ for upcoming elections is certainly wrong … It seems that Federal government funds are being used for three of such events (in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu) while state funds are being used in Selangor, Penang and Negri Sembilan.”
In Hector’s view, there is no issue if Anwar and PH (or the coalition of parties in the unity government) use their own monies and resources to hold such events.
“But it is wrong, in my opinion, if the monies of Malaysians or the government – be it that of the Federal government, state government or funds/resources of the local government – is being used,” asserted Hector who is also co-founder of non-governmental organisation (NGO), Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (MADPET).
“This is certainly against the call for a free and fair elections. I recall how these same political parties – when they were in the Opposition (or even in government) – were critical of the use of government funds/resources to benefit political parties and politicians.”
Hector further urged politicians and parties to have a strictly stand against the use of government funds/powers/resources to realise their own political goals.
“There is no need for PM Anwar to have any open house – especially noting that Malaysia has too high a debt and such luxury must be put aside,” he reiterated. “Now, how much monies will be expended for these six Raya open houses? Not to forget government resources, including time expended by public officers.” – April 27, 2023
