Bersih sees 'nothing wrong' with PM giving out cash ahead of state polls

Electoral reform group Bersih 2.0 says it sees nothing wrong with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of a massive cash handout totalling RM1 billion to millions of Malaysians, contrasting a stand by Muda, who reminded ruling politicians of their past criticism of such a practice.

Bersih, which in the past criticised similar government handouts being given during the election season, said the distribution of RM100 to some 10 million adult Malaysians as announced by Anwar yesterday does not violate the guidelines it issued recently.

"Based on the guidelines issued by Bersih last week, we believe there is no breach of the conditions we outlined," Bersih chairman Thomas Fann said to MalaysiaNow.

Last year, Bersih hit out at then prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob for bringing forward the fourth installment of the federal government's cash handout programme, Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia (BKM), too close to the 15th general election.

Ismail had then said that the cash handout under BKM, now renamed Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah by the present government, was brought forward to help Malaysians from the B40 group prepare for the monsoon season and floods.

But Bersih said such a decision should first be discussed with other political parties.

On July 20, Bersih proposed guidelines on the use of government resources ahead of the six state elections on Aug 12.

Fann said the guidelines were issued as it was clear that the state governments were "temporary administrations" and could not use government resources to campaign, or make any announcements about allocations. 

"But the behaviour of the federal government which is not in interim government mode is not clear," he added.

Fann said the guidelines were aimed at preventing the misuse of government resources and giving the government an advantage over opponents.

The guidelines stated that any announcements, including allocations made to voters, must not be conditional, such as being contingent on a candidate's or party's victory in the elections.

"Any commitments made by the federal government must be fulfilled regardless of the election results."

Fann also said it is not appropriate to conduct campaigns during government events where the name of a party or candidate is mentioned and party logos or flags are displayed.

"No specific provisions should be made in the area to help a particular party win or retain that area."

Bersih also recommended that candidates not attend government events where announcements or allocations are made, but said the exception is if they are federal ministers.

Yesterday, just two days before the state election candidate nominations in six states, Anwar announced a cash grant of RM100 to over 10 million eligible citizens, which will be credited to their e-wallets.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the eligible recipients include individuals with an annual income of RM100,000 and below.

He also announced a special assistance grant of RM300 for civil servants and a special appreciation grant of RM200 for government pensioners.

The move was criticised by Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who compared the "good news" to the practices of the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) government in distributing cash assistance during the election season.

The Muar MP said announcements of cash handouts were usually made during the annual budget in Parliament or festive seasons, adding that this time it was a sudden move just a few days before the election campaign.

"In the past, when the opposition did the same thing, they called it 'cash is king,' and the BN government was accused of distributing goodies. Now they are doing the same thing?

"Let us not repeat the culture of the previous government's election goodies.

"Be better," he added.