BERSIH has slammed Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming for his announcement of an RM5.21 mil allocation to upgrade public infrastructure facilities for residents of Hulu Selangor ahead of the May 11 Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election.
Citing contradictions with the principles of fair and ethical competition, the electoral watchdog noted that the allocation, alongside Nga’s call for support for a “good, caring, progressive” party, could be perceived as an attempt to sway voters and “buy” their support.
“Bersih calls for the government to cease this unethical practice which goes against the principle of fair political competition in elections,” it said in a statement on Friday (April 19).
“Bersih has observed repeated breaches of ethics in clean and fair elections by the unity government itself in several previous election series which will continue to erode public confidence, especially among voters, in the electoral system and democratic processes in the country.”
Bersih also said that Nga’s announcement violated its guidelines, which prohibit conditions, campaigning, and candidate involvement in non-caretaker government activities during by-elections.
“Once again, Bersih underscores the need to establish comprehensive guidelines on the ethics of non-caretaker and caretaker governments during election periods, commencing immediately upon the dissolution of Parliament or state legislative assemblies, or the vacancy of seats, to be enacted as law,” it stressed.
“This is to prevent the misuse of government resources in any allocation announcement and government policie entrusted by the people.”
Yesterday (April 18), Nga had denied that the Hulu Selangor allocation was because of the by-election.
“It’s not just because of the by-election. We chose this area because it’s an auspicious place. The feng shui here is good,” Nga told reporters.
“However, with nominations for the by-election set for the following Saturday (April 27) and as a Malaysian who loves this country, I call on all voters to come back to visit their families and vote for a party that is good, caring and progressive.”
The Teluk Intan MP had earlier announced 14 projects worth RM4.82 mil which will be carried out by the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council and village community management council.
Specifically for KKB, the funds will be used to upgrade food stalls and public toilets as well as to re-surface roads. Similar works will be carried out in Bukit Beruntung, Rasa and Batang Kali. They will also be utilised for New Villages in the area.
Additionally, the minister also contributed RM10,000 to the volunteer fire brigade in KKB and RM127,050 for upgrading works of the Sri Sithi Vinayagar temple.
The Housing and Local Government Ministry likewise approved a contribution of RM250,000 to Persatuan Penganut Dewa Siaw Kong dan Dewi Lee Ma to repair its house of worship.
According to Nga, this is part of the RM50 mil in financial aid channelled by the unity government to non-Muslim houses of worship nationwide. – April 19, 2024
Main pic credit: Al Jazeera
