PM's 'right choice' call a threat to Sarawakians - Bersih

 

SARAWAK POLLS | Electoral watchdog Bersih has raised concerns over what it described as a "not so subtle attempt" to threaten Sarawakians into voting for the government led by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

It cited Ismail Sabri's statement that the Second Sungai Yong Bridge project would not have been carried out if there had been a change in the federal government, as well as when the Bera MP said "Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Jo is my friend."

"This is a threat to Sarawakians that they will be penalised if they do not toe the line when it comes to casting their vote.

"This threat is also not just a violation of his slogan of Keluarga Malaysia as opposition-led states may be treated like stepchildren," said Bersih in a statement today.

Ismail Sabri (above) during a speech in Kapit on Saturday said the people of Sarawak need to make the right choice in the 12th state election to maintain good relations between the state and federal governments. 

Taking the example of the Second Sungai Yong Bridge costing RM12.6 million located about 15km from Kapit, the premier said it would not be implemented if the two governments have a different focus.

Bersih said Ismail Sabri's remark that many more projects may not be implemented if the state administration is different from the central government also raises further questions of administrative neutrality of the federal government and the caretaker Sarawak state government.

"Whether federal and state resources may be kept from partisan abuse," it said, adding that Ismail Sabri's statements only reaffirmed past reports of such abuse by the state caretaker government.

'Dishonourable and biased'

Further, Bersih stressed its belief in honouring any informed choice made by Sarawak voters as the right choice, regardless of the final outcome.

"It is dishonourable and biased for the prime minister to play favourites.

"Malaysia is a federation and the federal government must treat all state governments fairly and equally, regardless of their party affiliation," it said.

"If Sarawak voters are being pressured to vote in a way that suits the political taste of the federal government, then it shows that Sarawak has not achieved real independence through Malaysia, as promised in the spirit of MA63.

"Furthermore, if the decisions by Sarawak voters are not respected by the federal government, then as per their democratic right, Sarawakian voters can express their disapproval in the upcoming general election," said Bersih.

Aside from Bersih, Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching previously said Ismail Sabri's alleged threats were "utterly inexcusable and unforgivable".  - Mkini