Minister: Road upgrade works not related to by-election

BALAKONG POLLS | Works Minister Baru Bian (above) has endorsed Wong Siew Ki, the Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Balakong by-election, though he stressed works to upgrade roads in the constituency was unrelated to his endorsement.

Speaking at a ceremony today to upgrade a particular stretch of road in Balakong, he told reporters the works were actually fully funded by private developer Parkland Group.

“This is an exemplary corporate social responsibility (CSR) from Parkland. We hope other developers will emulate Parkland especially when the country is going through a difficult situation in terms of finance.

“The government will try to bring in development everywhere in Malaysia the best we can.

“And if it happens in an area with a by-election, I can’t help it,” he told a press conference after the ceremony held in front of a row of shop lots in Balakong.

He also explained that Parkland was doing road upgrading works in Balakong because they were developing a serviced apartment in the area.

The stretch of road they were upgrading was in front of the apartment, he said.

Earlier, Baru in his speech urged residents of Balakong to give Wong (photo) their support in the by-election.

“I call upon the rakyat in Balakong to give our candidate and future YB Wong a landslide victory.

“I have full confidence that Wong is capable of becoming a good and responsible representative,” he said.

School upgraded, too

When questioned later whether this would be seen as campaigning as he was there in his capacity as a federal minister, he said despite his position, he was also a part of the political coalition.

“Fortunately or unfortunately, I am here and it happens to be a by-election.

“I am part of the government (but) I am also part of the political coalition government. These kinds of things, you cannot have a clear distinction in politics, that is my perspective.

“Whether it is campaigning or not, I believe the rakyat can have their own conclusion, that is okay with me,” he said.

After the ceremony, Baru attended another event at a school in Balakong where he launched upgrading works for the school as well.

At this event, however, there was no mention of the Balakong by-election or any candidate.

The by-election was called following the death of incumbent Eddie Ng in a road accident on July 20.

Wong is going up against MCA’s Tan Chee Teong. Early voting was today while the polling day is this Saturday. - Mkini