Jakoa head apologises for project signboards
The Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) has apologised for erecting project signboards at three Orang Asli villages on the eve of the Cameron Highlands by-election.
In a statement late this evening, Jakoa director-general Ajis Sitin (above) said the project contractors have been instructed to remove the signboards.
"Jakoa wishes clarify that the signboards were an unintended mistake.
"Jakoa would like to take this opportunity to apologise over the incident and we will ensure that it does not happen again," said Ajis, who took the job on May 1, 2018.
Jakoa is a department under the Prime Minister's Department and is overseen by National Unity Minister P Waythamoorthy.
The signboards were spotted by Malaysiakini this evening at three Orang Asli villages at Bertam Valley in Cameron Highlands. The concrete used to hold the signboards in place appeared fresh.
All the signboards contained the words "Harapan Baru Malaysia" with the word "Harapan" fashioned after Pakatan Harapan's logo.
The government projects were for refurbishing houses and a kindergarten.
Earlier, Ajis told Malaysiakini that Jakoa performed such works regularly.
Finance Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng told Malaysiakini that it was wrong for the contractors to put up the signboards.
He said he had advised the relevant authorities to remove them.
He also thanked "eagle-eyed" Malaysiakini for spotting and highlighting the matter.
Let's not get overboard with our criticisms on PH. Till the previous general elections BN had blatantly been using the government machinery during elections. A lot of die-hard supporters of BN are still in the present government. They can be causing a lot of mischief just to discredit the PH government.
The problem is that too many have been fed by the previous government. They are still loyal to the hand that fed them (without realizing that the monies were actually taken from them and now they are paying for the debts!). That hand is still working behind the scenes and they are still getting "fed". So PH is actually at a great disadvantage because money talks. But PH, we are with you - your hard work, and your integrity will shine through. God is with you - although on the surface it may look like the hidden hands are trying their best to wrest away your victory, let it be. Better to let one state go, and then wake up and get your act together to fight for right, and victory will still be for the people. We need you for not one term, not two terms, but for a long time to come.
Yes, I agree, sack this Ajis guy.
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