KUALA LUMPUR: The government respects and takes note of the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) criticism on its announcement of RM5.41 million allocation for Hulu Selangor residents made ahead of the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he believed that everyone would heed Bersih's views and give them due consideration.
"We respect Bersih's criticism.
"By-elections are governed by laws, whether those of the Election Commission or others, so Bersih, as an entity, has provided its views, and I believe that every party will consider them accordingly," he told reporters at a press conference after launching the Crime Prevention Carnival in collaboration with the police, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), and strategic partners with the local community.
Also present were Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman, Home Ministry Secretary-General (Security), Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, and ambassadors.
The Housing and Local Government Ministry previously announced an allocation of RM5.21 million for Hulu Selangor residents, to be used for infrastructure projects in the area.
The announcement has since received criticism from several quarters, including Muar member of parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and Parti Gerakan Malaysia (Gerakan).
Following this, DAP Selangor has reiterated its stance that the announcement of a RM5.2 million project ahead of the KKB by-election was not wrong.
Its election director for the KKB by-election Ng Sze Han said this was a common practice as it was done before the nomination day.
