By-election windfall for Tenang residents

Tenang locals have been receiving a windfall since the by-election was called, including cash and gifts from government agencies and other related quarters, all claiming it is just business as usual.

BN representatives have claimed that they are merely regular assistance due to underprivileged residents from the various government agencies.

Regardless of the excuses, how to receive "election goodies" has become the hottest topic in Tenang coffeeshop talk.

Malaysiakini managed to interviewed several voters who had received the so-called "assistance", based on tipoffs from the locals.

A 40-year-old single mother residing in Labis who requested anonymity fearing reprisal, showed Malaysiakini a RM50 hamper, a RM200 'Ang Pow' and 12 feet of fabric that she received in an event at Labis municipal hall last week.

"I don't know who was the organiser. I think there were over 100 beneficiaries. The organiser gave out RM200 cash, hampers and fabric. The cash was kept in a white envelope,” she said.

According to her, Labis MP Chua Tee Yong and Johor exco Tan Kok Hong from MCA were present as VIPs and one of them called on those present to support the BN candidate.

Tan when contacted denied that the goodies were from MCA, saying that they were given by the Welfare Department.

"This is not vote-buying. We did not do so. This kind of activities are carried out by relevant agencies throughout the year. How can we direct the department around?" he said.

Cash for flags

Another female voter also claimed that her neighbour was given RM1,000 cash for putting up four BN flags and a banner with Najib's portrait in his house compound throughout the campaign period.

She added that the kindergarten in which her nephew is studying has called parents to inform them that families earning under RM2,000 are entitled to RM450 cash.

"Initially my relatives need to go to the district education department in Segamat to collect the money, but it was later postponed because the activity will be held in Labis."

However Malaysiakini could not verify the allegations above with the relevant authorities.

It has however been observed that ever since the announcement of the Tenang by election, various government agencies have focussed their programmes and assistance schemes in the constituency.

Najib, in his visit to Tenang on Tuesday, also announced RM1.31 million to upgrade all the mosques, surau and religious schools in all three Felda settlements in the constituency.

Yesterday Rural and Regional Development Minister Shafie Apdal also promised 20 new free houses to two indigenous villages.

What makes this even more interesting is that MCA president Chua Soi Lek - who holds no government post - has also announced that Tenang new village will get a new basketball court.

Meanwhile Bernama reported thatvAgriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Noh Omar today dismissed the notion that the ministry's programmes in the Tenang state constituency were instant projects implemented because of the by-election.

He said the programmes were ongoing, such as the ministry-with-the-people programme which was held monthly.

"For example, last year we had more than 15 programmes, none of which had anything to do with elections," he told reporters after launching a young entrepreneurs development programme at the Labis square in Tenang.

source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/154233

seals: I see this over night development when a DUN or a MP dies ... I mean a buy-elections happens and BN is contesting ....

This is a good news for the people as this is the only time the PEOPLE GETS a small part of what is for them. NOT during a GENERAL Elections...

What is the message here ... when there is a BUY-ELECTIONS and BN is contesting .... the PEOPLE gets something.....

I WISH there will be a BUY-ELECTIONS at every DUN and PARLIAMENT seat every 2 years. Means there should be 1-2 BUY-ELECTIONS for every seat for every TERM.

Pssst..... I am sure MACC / EC will have a good excuse the hamper and cash!!