Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Bersih questions propriety of taxi aid announcement at ruling coalition event
Election watchdog Bersih has criticized Transport Minister Anthony Loke for announcing a RM1,000 aid scheme for taxi drivers at a Pakatan Harapan campaign event, arguing the move conflates government business with party political activities.
LSN Malaysia ·
The coalition for free and fair elections raised concerns over the timing and venue of the announcement, contending that such disbursements should be presented through official government channels rather than at partisan political gatherings.
Bersih representatives stated that announcing government assistance programmes at ruling coalition campaign events creates ambiguity about whether funds are being distributed on merit or as a means to garner political support ahead of elections.
The watchdog called on the government to maintain clear separation between its administrative functions and the campaign activities of political parties, noting that taxpayer-funded initiatives ought to be presented in a neutral, non-partisan manner.
Loke's ministry has not yet responded to Bersih's allegations. The RM1,000 aid package was part of broader government support measures aimed at the transportation sector, according to the announcement made at the event.