SIBU: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing has been slammed for telling his constituents in Baleh to choose Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) if they want to receive Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants.
Oscar Ling Chai Yew
In a statement issued yesterday, Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew claimed that this appeared to be a threat to the people of Baleh – in that voting for parties other than those under GPS would mean no MRP grant for them.
According to Ling, under the previous Pakatan Harapan (PH) -led federal government, the opposition was also given allocations meant for their constituents.
“Unfortunately, the Deputy Chief Minister has to use this way to get votes from the people, as if the election is only aimed to obtain MRP funds and not to select state or national government leaders.
“When PH ruled the federal government, this was the first time that opposition MPs were given allocations. Whereas in the era of the Barisan Nasional, the government only allocated funds for its own elected representatives, while the opposition did not receive any fund,” said Ling.
The MP then called upon Masing not to use such tactics on the people.
“This is not the way democracy should be envisaged to the people. Let the people evaluate the efforts that PH has made and the people’s representation in their votes,” added Ling.