Voters demand consistency, not double standards

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently defended Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who faced intense criticism for announcing development projects just two days before nomination day for the Johor state election.

Confronted in Parliament by PN’s Arau MP Shahidan Kassim, Anwar argued that the RM216.44 million allocation - which included RM2.5 million for Flat Taman Ungku Tun Aminah in Skudai - was not an election offence because it had already been approved in the previous budget.

With due respect, Mr prime minister, this argument misses the point. Even if legally permitted, is it politically ethical?

Critics argue that even if the move is legal, it fails the test of political ethics and consistency, given Pakatan Harapan’s historical opposition to similar BN tactics.

To begin with, legality does not equal political ethics. A reasonable question: why did Harapan condemn Umno/BN for doing the exact same thing years ago?

It goes without saying that voters need consistency, not double standards.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

Anwar should have left the legal determination to the Election Commission. Rather than declaring it legal, it would have been more appropriate to let the EC - akin to a referee - rule on the matter.

Based on Nga’s announcement, apparently there is a massive funding promise conveniently used as campaign material for DAP’s Skudai candidate, J Kartiyani.

Like it or lump it, the timing is a textbook attempt to influence voters right before an election, whatever justification Anwar or Harapan may have tried to mount.

Even if the allocations were previously budgeted, the timing of the announcement - coinciding directly with the election and being used as campaign material for DAP’s candidate - will inevitably be perceived as a deliberate attempt to sway voters.

Therein lies the problem. - FMT

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MOHAMED HANIPA MAIDIN is a former deputy minister of law.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.