PUTRAJAYA – The announcement of several incentives for the people by the unity government is not due to the upcoming state elections, said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
He told a press conference after launching the iPatuh system here today that it is the prerogative of the government to announce its incentives for the people at any time.
“Just because there is an election, it does not mean the government cannot do it (announce incentives for the people),” he said, adding that the government will not heed any criticisms and will focus on carrying out its tasks effectively for the people.
Ahmad was commenting on a statement by Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman urging the government to stop the practice of giving “election gifts” as practiced by previous leaders.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM100 e-cash credit to Malaysian citizens above the age of 21 with an annual income of RM100,000 and below.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, also said that the government will provide a special one-off aid of RM300 to civil servants in grades 56 and below as well as RM200 to government pensioners.
Syed Saddiq, in his Facebook post regarding the special aid of RM300 for civil servants, questioned the announcement in the run-up to the state elections.
The Election Commission has announced that the state elections in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor, and Negri Sembilan, as well as the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election, will be held on August 12.
Nomination day is tomorrow (July 29) and early voting is on August 8. – July 28, 2023