LETTER | The Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue (Acid) is concerned about reports that Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has approved an allocation of RM6,130,719 for 33 development and infrastructure projects in Tapah, which is seen to encompass the Ayer Kuning state constituency that will soon undergo a by-election.
We believe there is nothing wrong in providing development infrastructure to the people, which is part of good governance. What is wrong is the timing of the approval that could be construed as bribery.
This also leads electorates into thinking and behaving in a way that shows money and so-called development triumphing over principles of justice and fairness.
What is more troubling is when real issues such as inflation, lack of efficiency in the healthcare system, rising insurance premiums, and the development plight of the poor could be placed on the backburner in the name of infrastructure development.
In Malaysian politics over the decades, the thirst for money for favours has become a norm and culture that inspired the necessity for grand funds that would quench the thirst of supporters and enhance the position of elites.
1MDB, consequence of greed
The 1MDB scandal is the consequence of such greed in Malaysia that trapped the country in the middle-income bracket since there was a lack of political will on the part of successive prime ministers to rein in money politics and channel funds where it is really needed.
The term cash is king permeates the Malaysian political system with little appetite for real reforms.
It is in this context and the need for substantive reforms that discerning Malaysians voted for Pakatan Harapan in the last two general elections.
I still remember vividly that, before being part of any government, DAP condemned such practices by the BN, which were regarded as a kind of bribery that goes against the grain of good governance, besides placing other political parties in a disadvantageous position.
DAP also participated in Bersih marches, articulating electoral reforms for fairer elections in Malaysia.
Reject abuse of power
It seems that when one is deprived of power, the cry for justice is made present, but when one is in power, the voice of justice becomes lesser since the perks and the advantage that come with power and cabinet position are so precious that principles can be thrown out of the window.
And the current DAP leadership does not portray an attitude that is conducive for real reforms
It is time for Malaysians to reject such blatant abuse of power in the name of development.
The question that comes to the mind of discerning Malaysians is whether DAP has become an obstacle to real reforms.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.