PROJECTS and allocations announced in Tg Piai by the government is not to buy votes ahead of the by-election, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said it is a coincidence that the announcements were made on the eve of the poll.

“If we announce any aid during the campaign, it is not right. There are always plans but it should not be used as bait to lure voters,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby this morning.

Yesterday, opposition leader Ismail Sabri Yaakob complained that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government was abusing its position and machinery in the run-up to Tg Piai by-election, something it had accused Barisan Nasional of doing when it was in power.

Ismail said PH is backtracking on its promise to ensure elections are free and fair, and is now doing things that suit the coalition.

“Last time, they said don’t buy votes before elections, don’t use government machinery, don’t use your position in the government to buy votes.

“But now, they are doing that and buying votes by announcing allocations of RM4 million… RM5 million,” said Ismail, who is Bera MP.

Over the weekend, members of the PH administration have been announcing a slew of projects for Tg Piai.

Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman announced a RM4 million allocation for the constituency to upgrade its sports and recreational facilities.

Syed Saddiq, who is Muar MP, said the allocation is part of RM14.6 million that was requested by incumbent MP Md Farid Md Rafik before he died.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Salahuddin Ayub also announced a RM3 million allocation to upgrade fishing jetties in the constituency.

He said it was expected to boost the economy and improve the livelihoods of fishermen and local communities in the area.

Electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 said any ministers with intention to fulfil Farid’s wishes should have waited until the by-election is over.

Its chairman Thomas Fann said any federal funds channelled amid preparations for the upcoming by-election could be perceived as an attempt to buy votes.

“Doing it now only reinforces the perception that government funds are being used to buy votes and hearts of Tg Piai’s voters,” Fann was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini on Sunday. – October 22, 2019.