THE government’s allocation of RM5.21 million in Hulu Selangor, including projects at Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB), can be considered as an attempt to buy votes ahead of a by-election there, said  Polls watchdog Bersih.

It said that the allocation was in breach of clean and fair election ethics.

It urged the government to stop this “unethical” practice which contradicts the principle of political competition on a level playing field in an election.

Bersih was referring to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s announcement yesterday that RM5.21 million will be given to upgrade public infrastructure facilities under the supervision of the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council and the Chinese New Village Project.

The minister said the allocation included 14 projects worth RM4.82 million to be implemented by the local council and the Village Community Management Council.

“Nga also urged the villagers to vote for a good, concerned, and progressive party, without mentioning any names.

“This special allocation to KKB is seen to have violated the principle of ‘no campaigning’ which links government allocations with political support.

“This action can also be considered as an effort to buy votes and use the government’s undue influence on KKB voters who will cast their votes on May 11,” Bersih’s steering committee said in a statement today.

Bersih said such violations of clean and fair election ethics by the government will continue to erode the people’s confidence, especially the voters, in the election system and country’s democratic process.

“Bersih reiterates the need for a comprehensive guideline to be created regarding the ethics of non-provisional and temporary governments during the election periods, that begins as soon as the dissolution of Parliament or state legislative assembly, or the vacancy of a seat,” it said.

The group added that it would send an election monitor to KKB to ensure no violation of any form is committed.

The KKB by-election will be held on May 11 following the death of its incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong from DAP/Pakatan Harapan (PH), on March 21.

DAP is set to contest again and will be announcing its candidate soon while Gerakan from Perikatan Nasional is expected to represent the pact.

Barisan Nasional (BN) will sit out of his by-election to give way to its ally PH.

This has resulted in BN coalition member MCA, which has long contested in this seat, to express its disappointment and saying that it would not campaign for PH. – April 19, 2024.