Sungai Bakap by-election: Rasuah Busters condemns alleged vote-buying

SHAH ALAM - Rasuah Busters has strongly objected to recent financial contributions announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming in the Sungai Bakap state constituency.

The group claims these contributions, totalling over RM 18 million, undermine public trust and suggest elements of bribery and corruption, raising serious ethical concerns ahead of the by-election.

The contributions, which include RM 290,000 for local mosques and suraus and RM17,751,284 for the construction of a fire station, upgrading of Bukit Panchor market and contributions to non-Islamic places of worship have raised serious ethical concerns.

In a statement, Rasuah Busters highlighted that these contributions undermine public trust and suggest elements of bribery and corruption.

“Any form of promises and gifts leading up to elections not only creates negative interpretations and perceptions among the people but also poses a significant threat capable of undermining the democratic system in this country.

“The actions demonstrate hypocrisy towards the nation's aspirations and commitment to combating corruption and is regressive to the recovery of governance and integrity structure of the country.

“Such perception tarnishes all government’s efforts to combat corruption,” the group emphasised.

The anti-corruption organisation highlighted that fair elections should not be compromised by practices of vote-buying through the distribution of incentives.

They asserted that government resources should be allocated fairly and not used to influence the election process, especially during sensitive periods.

“The government should function as usual but must avoid actions that are clearly seen to influence the election process.

“At #RasuahBusters we focus on what is right, not who is in power. Such contribution is wrong, and we will maintain this stance regardless who leads the country,” the statement read.