Bersih slams govt allocation for KKB ahead of by-election

Bersih has slammed the government for announcing an allocation of RM5.21 million for Hulu Selangor residents, including projects at Kuala Kubu Baharu, ahead of a by-election there.

The electoral reform group said the allocation violated the guidelines of the 3C Prohibition: No Conditions, No Campaign, and No Candidates that Bersih outlined since the 2023 state election to the non-interim government (non-caretaker government), such as the federal and state governments in the context of a by-election.

Bernama yesterday reported that Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that RM5.21 million will be given to upgrade public infrastructure facilities under the supervision of the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council and the Chinese New Village Project.

The minister said the allocation included 14 projects worth RM4.82 million to be implemented by the local council and the Village Community Management Council.

“As reported in the media, Nga also urged the villagers to vote for a good, concerned, and progressive party, without mentioning any names.

“This special allocation to Kuala Kubu Baharu is seen to have violated the principle of ‘no campaigning’ which links government allocations with political support.

“This action can also be considered as an effort to buy votes and use the government’s undue influence on Kuala Kubu Baharu voters who will cast their votes on May 11,” Bersih’s steering committee said in a statement today.

The group then urged the government to cease the “unethical” practice which contradicts the principle of political competition on a level playing field in an election.

Comprehensive guideline

“Bersih sees the violations of clean and fair election ethics by the Madani government itself in a series of previous elections, will continue to erode the people’s confidence, especially the voters, in the election system and country’s democratic process.

“Bersih reiterates the need for a comprehensive guideline to be created regarding the ethics of non-provisional and temporary governments during the election periods, that begins as soon as the dissolution of Parliament or state legislative assembly, or the vacancy of a seat,” it said.

The group added that it would send an election monitor to KKB to ensure no violation of any form is committed.

The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election will be held on May 11 following the death of its incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong, on March 21.

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Kuala Kubu Baharu heads to polls on May 11