DAP man defends Hulu Selangor funds, ex-MP questions timing

 

Selangor DAP vice-chairman Ng Suee Lim and former Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah have different opinions about announcing projects before an election is held.

PETALING JAYA: Selangor DAP vice-chairman Ng Suee Lim has denied accusations that the party is engaging in “dirty money politics” ahead of the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election on May 11.

Ng said it was standard practice for the housing and local government minister to visit local communities and announce funding for infrastructure upgrades in various locations.

“He is simply fulfilling his responsibilities to the people,” the Selangor local government committee chairman told FMT.

“And another thing, it’s not even election campaign time; nomination day hasn’t even arrived yet. So, what’s the issue? I see no problem at all.”

This comes after Nga Kor Ming unveiled an allocation of RM5.21 million for Hulu Selangor residents, which will also be used for projects in Kuala Kubu Baharu.

Nga denied this was in view of the May 11 by-election, saying his ministry “chose this area because it’s an auspicious place” and that “the ‘feng shui’ here is good”.

This drew criticism from Selangor Perikatan Nasional chief Azmin Ali, who was quoted by Malaysiakini as accusing DAP of practising dirty money politics to secure votes ahead of the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

Ng, the Sekinchan assemblyman, said the initiatives announced by Nga were intended to benefit all residents of Kuala Kubu Baharu and Hulu Selangor.

“It’s not just for DAP or Pakatan Harapan supporters but also for PN supporters as well,” he said.

However, PKR’s former Petaling Jaya MP, Maria Chin Abdullah, questioned the timing of the allocation by Nga’s ministry.

“Was this planning for Hulu Selangor initiated before the by-election?” the former Bersih chairman asked.

If that was the case, she said, a by-election should not impede the functions of the state or federal governments, including the implementation of planned projects.

Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said Nga’s announcement clearly illustrated the government’s intention to influence voters through “flashy project unveilings rather than meaningful community engagement”.

“The timing of this financial infusion, so close to an upcoming election, raises alarm bells about its true intent,” the Machang MP said. - FMT