Can Madani gov’t stop handing out ‘candies’ in run-up to the July 6 Sg Bakap by-election?

 

ONE wonders if the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will act on the grouses of NGO-oriented anti-graft movement Rasuah Busters which yesterday (June 20) took a swipe on the Madani government for dishing out election goodies to Sungai Bakap folks in the quest to wrest the state constituency from incumbent PAS in the upcoming by-election.

This is despite the splash of development allocations ahead of the July 6 polling dwarfs that of the May 11 Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election which included the colossal RM75 mil federal funds for the construction of houses for about 250 estate workers’ families in five estates in the Hulu Selangor parliamentary constituency,

“Media advocate RUSUAH BUSTERS has gone public on the Sungai Bakap buy-election,” tweeted blogger-turned-former Jelutong MP for two-terms from March 2008 to May 2018.

“RM17.75 mil federal grant and RM290,000 (nine mosques and 20 surau) – all from national coffers. Calling a spade a spade when wrong is wrong no matter which side is the government.”

For the record, Rasuah Busters’ critical view came on the back of BERSIH’s (Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections) earlier condemnation of the abuse of government resources during elections whether in by-elections or general elections.

“These types of announcements have become a new norm for the Madani government when approaching by-elections although the use of government resources during election periods was frequently opposed by them when they were in opposition.”

Although some pro-Pakatan Harapan (PH faction questioned the integrity of Rasuah Busters – the movement was the brainchild of Karangkraf Media Group owner Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub (publisher of Malay language newspaper Sinar Harian) – the concerns expressed are valid to ensure a fair and transparent polling process.

Below are the views of the so-called independent graft fighter with regard to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s – yet again the protagonist – recently announced contributions to Sungai Bakap ahead of this Saturday’s (June 22) nomination day.

1) This violates the mandate and trust of the people and constitutes an element of bribery and corruption.

2) Any form of promises and gifts leading up to elections not only creates negative interpretations and perceptions among the people but also poses a significant threat capable of undermining the democratic system in this country.

3) The actions demonstrate hypocrisy towards the nation’s aspirations and commitment to combating corruption and is regressive to the recovery of governance and integrity structure of the country.

4) Such perception tarnishes all government’s efforts to combat corruption.

5) A just and fair election should not be tainted with old practices of vote-buying by distributing incentives that should rightfully be allocated fairly to those who deserve them, regardless of time and place.

6) The government must always be careful about using its resources during sensitive periods around any elections. The government should function as usual but must avoid actions that are seen to influence the election process.

7) At #RasuahBusters, we focus on what is right, not who is in power. Such a contribution is wrong, and we will maintain this stance regardless of who leads the country.

“No matter who is in power, right is right, wrong is wrong,” added the anti-graft movement. – Focus Malaysia