Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has denied that his deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's allocation announcement on Friday was related to the state polls.
He said the federal government is still in operation and will continue to make important announcements.
This includes an RM50 million expansion to the Rahmah initiative, which Anwar unveiled today.
"Just like what I mentioned just now (Rahmah aid expansion), it (Zahid's announcement) has nothing to do with the state elections," he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
He said this when asked to comment on the backlash against Zahid.
Two days ago, Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, announced that his ministry will give RM250,000 to the Terengganu Youth Council and RM200,000 to motorcycle teams throughout the state.
He then said there would be more aid if youths at the event voted for the “blue and red wave” in the Aug 12 state polls.
While some had suggested that the government not make such announcements during the campaign period, Anwar stressed that this was not doable.
"No. I, the prime minister, look after the whole country. If it is important, we will announce it.
"However, I did say that they can't use state (government) machinery to campaign starting yesterday until polling day. That is the cabinet’s decision," he said.
Polling day will be held on Aug 12. - Mkini
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