Bersih condemns govt allocation in Sg Bakap ahead of by-election

Electoral watchdog Bersih today condemned the recent government allocations announced in Sungai Bakap, ahead of a by-election there.

In a statement, the group’s steering committee claimed such unethical practices had become the norm for the Pakatan Harapan-led government and cautioned them not to become something they used to despise.

“We strongly condemn using government resources during an election, be it in a by-election or general election.

“It is commonly known that after the announcement of a seat vacancy by the speaker of the House of Representatives or the state legislative assembly, a by-election will be held.

“Therefore, ministers at both the federal and state levels should be aware of the limits of their function during this time,” the statement read.

Bersih then pointed out that Harapan used to vehemently oppose the utilisation of government resources during election periods when it was in the opposition.

The statement followed allocations made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

‘Won’t make govt more popular’

On June 11, Anwar, via his political secretary Mohd Shamsul Mohd Akin, allocated RM290,000 to nine mosques and 20 suraus within the Sungai Bakap constituency in Penang.

On the same day, Nga also announced an allocation of RM18 million to fund various projects in South Seberang Perai, Penang, under the Sentuhan Kasih programme.

Elaborating, Bersih said the government must realise that “election goodies” like the allocations will not make the government more popular among voters.

Instead, the government would be seen as using any means to win, including methods previously condemned as unfair, thus eroding public trust in clean and fair elections, it added.

The group then reiterated the call for comprehensive guidelines on non-caretaker and caretaker governments during election periods to be made into law to prevent the misuse of government resources.

Bersih previously rebuked Nga for announcing an allocation of RM5.21 million for Hulu Selangor residents, including projects in Kuala Kubu Baharu, ahead of a by-election there.

The Sungai Bakap by-election is scheduled for July 6 following the death of its incumbent, Nor Zamri Latiff, on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.

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