NIBONG TEBAL: Electoral reform group Bersih asking the government not to announce allocations or organise programmes during by-elections is overly idealistic, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
The Umno supreme council member said adhering to Bersih's demand could hinder the government's functioning.
"From my perspective, having observed many elections since 1990, what Bersih is demanding is too idealistic," he said during a working visit to check on the progress of a road construction project at Bukit Panchor Industrial Area here on Thursday (June 27).
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The Deputy Works Minister stressed that the government could not operate effectively as long as a by-election was pending if it adhered to Bersih's request.
He said announcements made by ministers are based on their responsibilities and obligations to serve the people regardless of race or party.
On Wednesday (June 26) night, during a Pakatan Harapan ceramah in Taman Sungai Duri in Kampung Sungai Duri, Ahmad told Bersih, which had criticised his statements, to take the matter to court.
He said he had followed every by-election since 1990 except the one in Batang Ai, Sarawak.
“I have been a politician for a long time," he said.
Bersih took Ahmad to task for saying at a talk on Monday (June 24) that it was not an offence to announce allocations or organise programmes during by-elections.
In a statement, Bersih said Ahmad's claim would only perpetuate unethical practices.
It said abusing government funds and machinery went against the principles of a clean and fair electoral process.
“It goes against the Prime Minister’s call for the Cabinet to adhere to the law throughout the Sungai Bakap by-election period,” the statement read.
