Thursday, August 24, 2023

Nga downplays 'rocket' on mock cheques for schools after friendly fire








Nga downplays 'rocket' on mock cheques for schools after friendly fire


Local Government and Development Minister Nga Kor Ming has brushed aside criticism over the inclusion of DAP’s “rocket” logo on mock cheques presented to several schools in Ipoh, Perak.

“No, no issue,” he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today.

“What is most important is that the schools get the benefit,” added the DAP vice-chairperson.

On Saturday, Nga (above) presented mock cheques to 17 Chinese primary and secondary schools following a government allocation of RM1.8 million for repair and upgrading work.

Apart from the DAP logo, the Pakatan Harapan and Malaysia Madani logos were also printed alongside the national coat of arms on the mock cheques.

Among those who voiced their objection and raised questions were MCA deputy president Mah Hang Soon and Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh.

According to Mah, this constituted an “abuse of power” and blurred the lines between political parties and the government.


MCA deputy president Mah Hang Soon


Calling for action to be taken against ministers and MPs suspected of abusing their powers, he cautioned that the government’s image and credibility were at stake.

Mah also urged Nga to apologise over the matter.

This is not the first time the Teluk Intan MP has come under fire for mock “political” cheques.

In 2019, MCA president Wee Ka Siong criticised him for presenting a mock cheque from the government to a Chinese school in Perak with the Harapan logo on it.

Meanwhile, Akmal wanted Nga to explain if the latest round of funds came from the government.

“If it is from the government, what is the rationale for placing the DAP logo on the mock cheques? Don’t act foolish now that you have become a minister,” he said in a Facebook post.

Apart from friendly fire, Nga also courted flak from the opposition.

Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal described it as “most peculiar”.

“Since when can government allocations have party logos together with the national coat of arms? Is this the good governance which Malaysia Madani wishes to bring forth?” he asked.


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