Kuala Lumpur: The government has reiterated its firm stance against the use of government machinery or allocations in the campaign for the Ayer Kuning state by-election in Perak, as well as any general election. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who also serves as the spokesperson for the MADANI Government, stated that this policy is in line with recent directives from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Fahmi highlighted that the Prime Minister had previously declared that announcements concerning government allocations should not occur during any by-election campaign, including the ongoing Ayer Kuning by-election or the general election. He emphasized that during election campaigns, no statements regarding the distribution of government allocations should be made.

Minister Fahmi’s remarks were in response to allegations from the non-governmental organization, Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih), which claimed to have identified at least three violations of free and fair election principles during the Ayer Kuning by-election campaign. Prime Minister Anwar had earlier cautioned all parties involved to abstain from using government resources or allocations for campaigning purposes following the nomination process for the Ayer Kuning by-election.

Regarding claims that the Ministry of Health (MOH) organized a large-scale Aidilfitri celebration featuring prominent celebrities, Minister Fahmi noted that this matter was not addressed in the Cabinet meeting held today. However, drawing from the Ministry of Communications’ experience, he mentioned that most celebrities typically do not charge fees or only charge nominal amounts for their performances at such events.