Wait until by-election is over to fulfil late MP's wishes - Bersih

Any ministers with intention to fulfil wishes of the late Tanjung Piai MP Dr Md Farid Md Rafik for his constituency could have waited until after the by-election is over, said electoral watchdog Bersih.

Bersih chairperson Thomas Fann (above) pointed out that any federal funds channeled amid preparations for the upcoming by-election could be perceived as an attempt to buy votes.

"Syed Saddiq or any minister could have fulfilled the late MP's wishes after the by-election.

"Doing now only reinforces the perception that government funds were used to buy the votes and hearts of Tanjung Piai's voters," Fann told Malaysiakini.

He said this in response to Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman's announcement yesterday that RM4 million has been allocated to upgrade sports and recreational facilities in Tanjung Piai. 

Syed Saddiq had reportedly said the amount was part of RM14.6 million personally requested by Farid for the constituency.

Commenting further, Fann reminded that Bersih had cautioned Harapan against abuse of state resources when campaigning in Tanjung Piai.

"While current laws do not make it illegal for a sitting government to give out special allocations during elections, it is unethical to use government resources to give an advantage to their own political parties," he further said.

Syed Saddiq (photo), who is Bersatu and Harapan Youth chief, also announced a "listening tour" campaign where the coalition's youth volunteers will spend time and stay with Tanjung Piai residents.

This was intended for them to better understand issues affecting the locals and hear first hand suggestions on how to develop the constituency.

Asked for comments, Fann lauded the move, describing it to be a "novel idea".

"Instead of speaking down to the people, they want the people to tell them their issues," he noted.

Quizzed whether it could be perceived as an attempt to exercise undue influence on voters, Fann said the issue will only arise if there is some form of threat to the voters that forces them to vote against their own conscience.

The Tanjung Piai seat in Johor fell vacant after Farik, who was a former deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department, died last month. 

In GE14, Farid defeated Wee Jeck Seng, who was the two-term incumbent, by a slim majority.

Farid bagged 21,255 votes against Wee's 20,731. The other candidate was PAS' Nordin Othman with 2,962 votes.

Harapan leaders have said they expect a tough fight for the seat this time around.

Campaigning for the by-election officially starts on Nov 2 after nominations. Polling day is on Nov 16. - Mkini