PETALING JAYA: An anti-graft group says recent contributions announced for houses of worship in Sungai Bakap, the construction of a fire station, and the upgrading of a market may constitute elements of bribery and corruption.

#RasuahBusters said such contributions also violated the mandate and trust of the people.

"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 are regressive to the recovery of governance and integrity in the country," it said in a statement Wednesday (June 19).

On June 11, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim extended donations totalling RM290,000 to nine mosques and 20 surau in the Sungai Bakap state constituency for Hari Raya Aidiladha.

On the same day, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming also announced almost a RM18mil allocation for various projects, including the construction of the new Permatang Tinggi fire station at RM13.7mil, the upgrading of the first floor of the Bukit Panchor market and contributions for six non-Muslim houses of worship.

#RasuahBusters said such perceptions also tarnished the government's efforts to combat corruption.

"A just and fair election should not be tainted with old vote-buying practices by distributing incentives that should rightfully be allocated fairly to those who deserve them, regardless of time and place.

"The government must always be careful on the use of its resources during sensitive periods around any elections," it said, adding that while the government should function as usual, it must avoid actions that were clearly seen to influence the election process.

"At #RasuahBusters, we focus on what is right, not who is in power. Such a contribution is wrong; we will maintain this stance regardless of who leads the country.

"No matter who is in power, right is right. Wrong is wrong!" the group said in its statement.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/anti-graft-group-urges-govt-to-be-careful-with-using-its-resources-in-sg-bakap