KJ: It's clear, Harapan doesn't practice what it preaches on gov't asset use

CAMERON POLLS | Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said today that the people can now see for themselves that Pakatan Harapan does not practice what it preaches, following the alleged use of a government vehicle for the Cameron Highlands by-election campaign.

Khairy, himself on the campaign trail for BN, said the purported use of the state Forestry Department vehicle was "regrettable," as Harapan used to accuse BN of such tactics when in power.

"Now the people can see that Harapan itself does not practice what it preaches (cakap tak serupa bikin). 

"The latest example is the Forestry Department vehicle used for campaigning, which had been wrapped with the Harapan flag," he told reporters when having lunch in Sungai Ruil Orang Asli village, Brinchang earlier today.

"This does not even include visits by ministers (to Cameron Highlands) for the coming by-election, with the excuse they (those visits) were just coincidences or had been planned in advance. Including, too, (Defence Minister) Mohamad Sabu's use of an Armed Forces vehicle.

"This shows that Harapan's use of government vehicles is increasing. All this while, they had accused BN of using government vehicles, but they are worse."

The Rembau MP's rebuke comes following an image shared on social media by former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, showing a four-wheel drive vehicle with "PHD Raub" written across the back, and with the Harapan logo on its sides.

In his post, which has garnered over 24,000 likes in four hours, the former premier took a sarcastic swipe at the ruling government for its alleged use of the vehicle, believed to belong to the district Forestry Department.

He also included a screenshot of the Election Commission's Election Code of Ethics, pointing out that government vehicles cannot be used for campaign purposes.

"Does this vehicle belong to the Forestry Department?

"What model is this? It looks OK, I might test drive one myself. Driving a 4x4 feels a bit different, right?" read his posting.

Malaysiakini is attempting to reach Harapan leaders for response to the claim.

The Harapan government had come under fire after several federal ministers, including Mohamad, visited the constituency after the by-election was announced. 

The Defence Ministry had denied that Mohamad abused military assets for the campaign, saying the latter was on an official visit to Kem Slim on Jan 9.

The minister was alleged to have used an army helicopter to fly to the area for nominations day on Jan 12, after a photograph of him walking away from a helicopter began circulating.

 -Mkini