KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 — Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) state election candidates have today raised concerns over promises given by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to voters in Kuala Terengganu.
Arguing that Zahid’s remarks were akin to bribing the voters, the party has urged the Election Commission (EC) to take immediate action against the Barisan Nasional chairman for electoral offences.
“First, isn’t this a form of bribery because it is clearly stated ‘as long as on August 12 (voting day) the youth follow the blue and red waves’ where he implies that this consolation and allocation is directly related to the election.
“Second, is this a reasonable and transparent policy with integrity if this special provision is approved on the stage of political talks?” they asked in a statement.
Yesterday, Zahid through his portfolio in the Rural and Regional Development Ministry agreed to an additional grant of RM100,000 for the Central Terengganu Development Authority (Ketengah) Youth Association for youth development activities in the state.
Zahid also said the amount may be increased depending on the performance of youth in the state election in Terengganu on August 12, saying he is confident the “blue and red wave” will change the political tide of Terengganu in this state polls with the support of youth leaders and voters aged between 18 and 30 and 31 to 40 in the state.
Meanwhile, on the Sentuhan Kasih Desa programme which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Zahid also announced an allocation of RM250,000 for the Terengganu Malaysia Youth Council (MBM) and RM200,000 for the motoring association in the state,
Muda today demanded Zahid to explain why other states, especially those without a state election, do not receive similar benefits.
“Third, why did only the youth of Terengganu receive this special provision? What about the youths in other states, especially states that do not hold elections?
“Fourth, if the voters choose another party other than the ‘blue and red wave’ then would this approval be cancelled?” they asked.
The candidates also raise doubts about the involvement of the Cabinet in allowing ministers to spend public funds as if it were their personal funds expressing their strong rejection of such practices.They also urged the public to make informed choices during the upcoming election, rejecting what they termed as outdated politics.
Muda has one candidate in Terengganu: its information chief Luqman Long in the Bandar seat.
