PM defends Nga, says RM6.13m disclosure made pre-nomination

PM defends Nga, says RM6.13m disclosure made pre-nomination


Published: Apr 14, 2025 11:26 AM
Updated: 2:49 PM


Summary

• PM points out RM6.13m allocation for development projects in Tapah was announced before Ayer Kuning by-election nomination and therefore allowed.

• This follows Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming coming under fire for the move, with critics saying it’s an election violation.

• Anwar however warns all parties not to use govt machinery or allocations when campaigning.

AYER KUNING POLLS | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended the government’s RM6.13 million allocation for development projects in the Tapah parliamentary constituency, which includes the Ayer Kuning state seat.

He said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s announcement of the funds was made before the by-election nomination.

"That was before nomination. If it’s after that (the nomination), we have to issue a warning… it’s not allowed," he was quoted as saying by Bernama after the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya today.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the government’s stance is clear - the use of government machinery or allocations from the time of nomination until polling day is not permitted.

He also warned all parties not to use government machinery or allocations when campaigning in the by-election.

On April 10, Nga announced that the ministry had approved the RM6.13 million allocation for 33 development and public infrastructure projects under the Sentuhan Kasih 3.0 programme.

Backlash

Bersih criticised Nga’s move, alleging that the channelling of funds and development projects to areas facing elections constitutes a misuse of government resources.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming

Bersih was reported as saying that such actions go against the principles of free and fair elections.

The Election Offences Act states that it is an offence to give or promise any money or valuable consideration to induce voters before, during, or after an election.

Nomination for the by-election was held on April 12, while polling will be on the 26th and early voting on the 22nd.

The by-election was called following the death of the incumbent assemblyperson, Ishsam Shahruddin, 58, who died of a heart attack on Feb 22.