PSM remains displeased with Nga's RM6.13m funds for Ayer Kuning

Summary

• PSM is not satisfied with Jenny Choi’s attempt to curtail backlash against Nga Kor Ming's alleged power abuse linked with the Ayer Kuning by-election.

• Bawani KS insists there is no way to rationalise Nga's announcement of an RM6.13m allocation for projects in Tapah, which encompasses the state seat.

AYER KUNING POLLS | PSM has not taken kindly to Perak deputy state assembly speaker Jenny Choy’s attempt to defend Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming against power abuse accusations linked to the Ayer Kuning by-election.

Ridiculing Choy’s bid to shield Nga (above) from criticism, the party’s by-election candidate, Bawani KS, highlighted that the minister’s announcement of an RM6,130,719 allocation for 33 development and infrastructure projects in Tapah could have been made at a different time.

“Why couldn’t the announcement be made earlier or later? What’s the purpose of (making the announcement) during an election?” Bawani questioned when met by Malaysiakini at PSM’s command centre in Ayer Kuning.

“You cannot blindly say that it wasn’t your agenda (and) you didn’t plan it. It’s very direct - you’re blatantly giving bribes to the people,” she added.

The Ayer Kuning state seat, which was vacated following the death of incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin, 58, on Feb 22, falls under the Tapah parliamentary constituency.

Electoral watchdog Bersih had previously said Nga’s apparent use of his ministerial position to channel government projects into areas facing an election is an unfair use of government resources.

It asserted that an announcement of allocations during an election campaign period not only creates the perception of vote-buying by stealth but also taints the democratic principles that are supposed to guarantee clean and fair political competition.

‘Nonsensical move’

Earlier today, Choy claimed that project announcements under the Sentuhan Kasih programme have been ongoing in the last two years and not just ahead of the Ayer Kuning polls.

The Canning assemblyperson highlighted that Nga had earlier made similar announcements in areas that are not facing a by-election.

However, Bawani argued that Nga’s move was “nonsensical” which Pakatan Harapan should be ashamed of as it has previously criticised alleged vote-buying tactics when it was in the opposition.

“Last time, Harapan would (accuse) BN of giving out election goodies, but now, even when it is in the government, it’s doing the same thing.

“What is the difference between you (Harapan) and BN?” she queried.

Ayer Kuning voters are set to head to the polls on April 26 after nominations were finalised today, with Bawani part of a three-cornered battle for the state seat.

The PSM deputy secretary-general will be going against Tapah Perikatan Nasional chief Abdul Muhaimin Malek and Tapah Umno secretary Yusri Bakir.

The state constituency has 31,897 registered voters, consisting of 31,315 ordinary voters and 582 police personnel and their spouses.

Early voting is scheduled to take place on April 22.

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