Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reminded the cabinet today to avoid breaking any election laws throughout the upcoming Sungai Bakap by-election campaign period, according to government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi said Anwar had issued a general reminder on the matter, despite being no specific discussion over a reported suggestion for a guideline to deal with announcements of government allocations when an election is imminent.
"We did not discuss the matter specifically but the prime minister gave a reminder for all cabinet members to ensure that during this by-election period, there will be no breach of any law or electoral offences,” said the communications minister during a weekly post-cabinet press conference at the ministry in Putrajaya.
Yesterday, Free Malaysia Today reported former Bersih chief Thomas Fann as saying that guidelines should be drawn up by the Election Commission, Public Services Commission and the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform.
“This is to avoid any potential abuse of state resources during elections,” said Fann, who is the chairperson of watchdog Engage.
He said this following an announcement by Housing And Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming in Nibong Tebal on an allocation of RM18 million for various projects in South Seberang Perai, Penang, under the Sentuhan Kasih programme.
Nga said the RM18 million allotment would go towards the construction of the Permatang Tinggi fire and rescue station (RM13.7 million), the upgrade of Bukit Panchor market (RM1 million) and funding for six non-Muslim houses of worship (RM1.02 million).
Opposition leader fumes
Earlier today, Gerakan president Dominic Lau said Nga’s announcement can be construed as an attempt to buy votes under the pretext of carrying out responsibility and is an act to impose undue influence on the constituency’s voters before the July 6 polls.
At the same time, Lau also slammed Anwar who provided RM290,000 in donations to nine mosques and 20 suraus in the Sungai Bakap state constituency in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha next Monday.
The Sungai Bakap state seat fell vacant following the death of its incumbent, Nor Zamri Latiff, on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.
In the Penang state election last August, Nor Zamri who was also Nibong Tebal PAS chief, defeated Pakatan Harapan candidate Nurhidayah Che Rose by 1,563 votes. - Mkini
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