KUALA LUMPUR – Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming staunchly defended his recent announcement of allocating RM5.21 million for Hulu Selangor residents, ahead of the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election scheduled for May 11.
Nga, who has faced criticism from various quarters labelling the announcement as an attempt to induce support, also drew attention to the opposition’s achievements, or lack thereof.
“We are focusing on helping the rakyat and improving their living quality… a big question (is) what has the opposition done for the people in Selangor?” Nga said when contacted by Scoop today.
This comes amid the opposition’s long-standing calls for equal constituency funds.
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced that the terms for a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the opposition concerning equitable constituency allocations is in the midst of being drafted by the government.
Nga, who is also a DAP vice-chairman, insisted that the allocation from his ministry for Kuala Kubu Baharu has “nothing to do” with vote-buying, as the funds are part of a programme conducted in other areas as well.
“As a minister, I am focusing on improving the quality of the rakyat. I am going to Gerik next Monday on the same programme (for) my ministry’s national roadshow which I started in March last year,” he added.
Responding to criticism against his remark of Kuala Kubu Baharu having “good feng shui”, Nga merely said: “Obviously, it is just a harmless joke.”
Earlier today, electoral watchdog Bersih joined the chorus of critics condemning Nga’s announcement, claiming the minister had violated election guidelines.
The group also cautioned the government that repeating such “unethical” practices could result in citizens losing confidence in the electoral system.
In announcing the projects and funds for Kuala Kubu Baharu yesterday, Nga asserted that the allocations had nothing to do with the poll for the state seat, which was declared vacant following the death of its representative, DAP’s Lee Kee Hiong.
Instead, Nga quipped that the allocation is due to Kuala Kubu Baharu being a “very lucky place” with “good feng shui” while urging voters living and working elsewhere to return and “vote in a caring party.”
His remark had drawn the ire of fellow unity government member, MCA senator Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, who slammed Nga for going against anti-corruption principles by allegedly attempting to influence voters.
The former MCA vice-president also said that Nga’s actions were “unfortunate and regretful,” as DAP had previously repeatedly criticised the announcement of ministerial projects and allocations during election seasons.
Gerakan chairman Datuk Dominic Lau has similarly chastised Nga, urging DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke to advise Nga against playing immature politics. – April 19, 2024