PETALING JAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s recent promise of grants totalling over RM500,000 to Terengganu youths has nothing to do with the state polls, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said Ahmad Zahid’s announcement was made prior to the nomination day on Saturday (July 29).
"The government still runs as usual. It (Ahmad Zahid’s announcement) has nothing to do with the state polls.
"I’m the Prime Minister in charge of the entire country. We have to announce important matters," said Anwar during a Rahmah initiative event at Bukit Jalil Pavilion on Sunday (July 30) evening.
As an example, Anwar said the Rahmah initiative event at Bukit Jalil was planned three months ago.
"It was a ministerial decision from a while back and we want to announce this during the Consumers Day (on July 30)," said Anwar.
"The Federal and state governments that are not affected in elections must continue (their duties)," added Anwar.
Anwar also cited the recent launch of the Madani Economy initiative, which was decided much earlier before the state polls.
"So must we postpone all this? No, the work must continue. I think the people have to be fair," said Anwar.
"For example, if there is an impending programme in Penang on Aug 5 which was decided last month, I wouldn’t cancel that.
"But certainly, I don’t want the candidates to be around. I don’t want party posters and it should be purely a government event that should continue," added Anwar.
Anwar stressed that there should be no use of public funds or government projects during the campaigning period that commenced after nomination day for the state polls on July 29.
"That is also a Cabinet decision," added Anwar.
On July 28, Ahmad Zahid, during the Himpunan Belia Lestari Generasi Unggul, announced that he approved an allocation of RM100,000 to a youth organisation in Terengganu.
In another event in Terengganu, Ahmad Zahid also announced a RM250,000 allocation for the Malaysia Youth Council in Terengganu, as well as a RM200,000 allocation for a motoring association in the state.
Ahmad Zahid’s announcement had since been criticised as a form of vote-buying by others.
Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said there were no elements of corruption found in Ahmad Zahid’s announcement.
Azam said the grants were a government initiative and not a form of vote-buying.
