Putrajaya has distributed RM12 million to 62 Chinese independent high schools and New Era University College on the eve of nomination day for the Cameron Highlands by-election.
While the allocations were channeled to the institutions’ bank accounts, a ceremony attended by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng was held today to hand over the mock cheques to the schools’ representatives.
In her speech, Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching said that the ministry initially had planned to distribute the funds by the end of this month.
When approached by media later, Teo denied that the event was brought forward as part of 'election goodies' or handouts in view of the upcoming by-election.
"Even though there is a by-election, it’s business as usual (for us).
"I am happy that the money (is distributed) today. If not, I would not be able to hand out the allocation even during the upcoming Semenyih by-election and I will be criticised (for being inefficient)," she said.
"We cannot stop our work during by-elections. If you want to perceive this as election goodies, then the government cannot run any project or programme during this period. It doesn't make sense," she added.
The Cameron Highlands by-election was triggered when the Election Court declared the seat vacant after determining that vote-buying had led to MIC's C Sivarraajh's victory in GE14.
Nomination for the by-election will be held tomorrow while the polling date has been set for Jan 26. The Chinese make up 30 percent of voters in the constituency.
[More to follow] - Mkini
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