Minister apologises for Semenyih polls goodie, withdraws allocation

SEMENYIH POLLS

 | Tourism and Culture Minister Mohammaddin Ketapi has apologised for announcing an RM80,000 allocation for repairs to a hall in Semenyih, ahead of the by-election for the Selangor seat this Saturday.

Mohammaddin added that he was withdrawing the allocation as it could be an election offence.

"At an event, I had announced an RM80,000 allocation for upgrading works to Dewan Haji Md Silin in Beranang.

"I would like to inform that I withdraw the allocation, as I realise it is it contravenes the Election Offences Act 1954 (under) the Election Commission," he said in a statement tonight.

Mohammadin's apology and withdrawal come just under three hours after he left National Crafts Day celebrations at Dewan Haji Md Silin, where he had announced the allocation.

The minister said he had granted the allocation based on feedback from the local community, but only later realised that it could be an election offence.

"Before my statement, I was approached by residents and visitors to the event, who voiced the need to upgrade the hall.

"However, as I realise that it is an offence with the Election Offences Act, therefore I sincerely apologise and retract the announcement," he said.

Mohammaddin said it was not his intention to disrupt the election process in Semenyih.

The event held in conjunction with National Crafts Day celebrations, which begin tomorrow and end on March 11, also saw 33 prizes given out in a lucky draw.

Beranang is one of the 23 polling districts for the state seat of Semenyih. The district has 972 voters.

The by-election will see a contest between Pakatan Harapan's Muhammad Aiman Zainali, BN's Zakaria Hanafi, PSM's Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul and independent candidate Kuan Chee Heng.

The by-election was called following the passing of its Harapan incumbent Bakhtiar Mohd Nor on Jan 11. - Mkini