Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s recent promise of grants totalling over RM500,000 to Terengganu youths has been clarified by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar stated that the announcement was made prior to the nomination day for the state polls on July 29 and is not related to the elections. He emphasized that the government continues to function as usual and important matters need to be announced. Anwar cited the example of the Rahmah initiative event at Bukit Jalil, which was planned three months ago and coincided with Consumers Day on July 30. He also mentioned the recent launch of the Madani Economy initiative, which was decided much earlier before the state polls. Anwar insisted that government events and projects should continue during the campaigning period but without the presence of candidates and party posters. He stressed the importance of not using public funds or government projects for election purposes, a decision that was endorsed by the Cabinet.
Ahmad Zahid had previously announced an allocation of RM100,000 for a youth organization in Terengganu during the Himpunan Belia Lestari Generasi Unggul. He also allocated RM250,000 to the Malaysia Youth Council in Terengganu and RM200,000 to a motoring association in the state. Some individuals criticized these announcements as a form of vote-buying. However, Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki clarified that there were no elements of corruption found in Ahmad Zahid’s announcement. Azam affirmed that the grants were a government initiative and not intended as a form of vote-buying.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
