COMMUNICATIONS and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil today refuted allegations by certain parties that the special aid and assistance announced under the Madani Economy: Empowering the People initiative was just another enticement to influence the outcome of the six state elections next month. 

He said this was because the announcement on the special aid and assistance was made before the campaign period even started. 

“The campaign period will only begin after the nomination process tomorrow and will run until August 12. 

“Apart from that, our (government) principle is not to use the government’s machinery, not to give election candy and not to announce any ‘instant’ project,” he told a press conference after launching Allo’s Rahmah Fixed Broadband Package today. 

When launching the Madani Economy initiative yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government would be giving special appreciation aid of RM300 to civil servants of Grade 56 and below, and RM200 to retirees within these two weeks. 

The government would also be giving RM100 in e-cash credit to over 10 million adult Malaysians with an annual income of RM100,000 and below. 

Fahmi said the government cannot stop providing services to the people or postpone any announcements. 

“When I launch this (Allo’s Rahmah Broadband) package, will it be deemed election candy too? It’s just a normal service. The government’s work must go on. We can’t be expected to postpone all announcements?” he said. 

The Election Commission has set the state elections for Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Negri Sembilan, as well as the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election, to be held simultaneously on August 12, with nomination day occuring tomorrow and early voting set for August 8. – Bernama, July 28, 2023.