SHAH ALAM - Caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob may have overreached his temporary ad hoc power by announcing that the government will waive the debts of Felcra settlers ahead of the 15th General Election (GE15).
This was the poser from Rasuah Buster chief executive officer Nurhayati Nordin who was of the opinion that Ismail Sabri was in no place to announce such a major decision which involves the use of taxpayers money.
"We do not accuse them of corruption but again, we need to look at the reason behind the write-off.
"The caretaker government should only be maintaining the status quo, and in regards to this write-off, we need more explanation and its justification," she told Sinar Daily.
Ismail Sabri had announced the contentious matter today with Bernama reporting that the total debt accrued by Felcra settlers amounted to RM223.8 million.
Apart from debt waiving, Ismail Sabri also pointed out that a total of RM191 million will be spent on monsson season aid for 232, 319 smallholders of Rubber Indusstry Smallholders Development Authority (Rida).
Despite deeming the announcement as debatable, Nurhayati maintained that she is not accusing any party of corruption.
"But I am very concerned about the people's perception regarding the matter.
"Perhaps the RM191 million for the monsoon aid, we can assume that the policy as having being made early. We can understand that.
"But the write-off? Again, the power lies with the people. They should filter and judge this by themselves," she remarked.