SELECTIVE prosecution by the unity government led by Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) will not hamper Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) prospects in the upcoming state elections, Mohamed Azmin Ali said today.

Referring to the corruption charges brought against Bersatu information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan today in connection with the Jana Wibawa aid programme, Azmin said the PH-BN government is attacking PN to deter the coalition’s chances in the soon-to-be held polls in six states.

“This (charges against Wan Saiful) is another proof that PH and their new ally, Umno, fear the strong support of Malaysia for PN. This is nothing but plans to weaken PN before the state polls.

“We are confident that in the upcoming state elections, the people will give another strong indication to PH and Umno for not fulfilling the promises made during the 15th general election,” said Azmin who turned up at the Kuala Lumpur Session’s Court to show support for Wan Saiful.

Azmin, who is a Bersatu supreme council member and also PN information chief, is confident that the coalition will get more support from the public with such selective prosecutions aimed at them.

Earlier today, Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful claimed trial to the charge of accepting almost RM7 million in kickbacks in connection with the Jana Wibawa aid programme.  

He was also charged with soliciting for RM232 million in bribes in relation to the same programme to help highly placed Bumiputera contractors affected by the pandemic.

Azmin said such politically motivated prosecutions are targeted at PN to cover the “failed government’s” weakness.

“It has been almost three months since (the unity government assumed power) but there are no steps and actions taken by the government to help the people.

“I see that the efforts being made by our rivals are to cover up their weaknesses, their failure to govern the country, manage the economy more effectively and efficiently, especially the cost of living.

“So, to cover their weaknesses, they attack PN to weaken them,” he said.

Azmin added that people these days are more mature to understand the unity government’s incapability in managing the country.

Earlier today, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin also said that the PH-BN unity government is turning to “selective prosecution” to scupper growing support for PN. – February 21, 2023.