PM hints at 'good news' when asked about STPM allowances on Johor campaign trail

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has hinted that allowances for STPM students may be announced in Budget 2027.

However, he stopped short of confirming it, cognisant of the fact that he was at a programme coinciding with his campaigning activities in the Johor state election.

The matter arose when he was asked by a secondary school student whether such allowances would be given during a public question-and-answer event in Muar today.

Anwar responded: “My answer is, ok, baik (okay). I can’t say more than that in Johor because it would violate election rules.

“But this matter has been raised by (Education Minister) Fadhlina (Sidek) a while ago, and I will say, wait for the budget; I will announce good news,” the premier said.

Malaysiakini received a transcript of Anwar’s remarks, which is consistent with other news reports on the matter.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the campaign trail in Johor

STPM students are typically aged 18 to 19 - old enough to vote and be influenced by a campaign promise.

Section 10(a) of the Election Offences Act is supposed to penalise even a hint of bribery.

The section states: “Every person who, before, during or after an election, who directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, gives, lends, or agrees to give or lend, or offers, promises, or promises to procure or to endeavour to procure, any money or valuable consideration to or for any elector or voter, or to or for any person on behalf of any elector or voter or to or for any other person, in order to induce any elector or voter to vote or refrain from voting, or corruptly does any such act as aforesaid on account of such electoror voter having voted or refrained from voting at any election.”

However, Anwar’s position on the matter appears to be that as long as it’s not meant specifically for a place where an election is being held, announcing government projects or initiatives is allowed.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat last week, Anwar cited Budi Diesel as an example of government handouts being announced near an election campaign but were intended for the benefit of all Malaysians. - Mkini