KUALA LUMPUR: The allocation of grants announced by the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to the youths of Terengganu recently was not illegal or corrupt.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki said, as the ruling government, it had the right to give initiatives that it deemed appropriate for the people.
“There was no issue as it was an initiative from the government. The grant is not a form of corruption as it is a gift from the ministry at the federal level,” Azam said as reported by a local news portal.
Previously, Ahmad Zahid had announced a grant of RM100, 000 for the Central Development Authority (Ketengah) Youth Association and RM250, 000 for the Terengganu Youth Council.
In addition to that, Ahmad Zahid had also announced RM200, 000 in aid of the motoring team in Terengganu.
Zahid’s announcements were questioned by many parties as the grants were given in the run-up to the state elections involving Selangor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Kedah and Negeri Sembilan.
On another development, the Terengganu Pas Youth had lodged a report to MACC regarding its allegation that the speech of Ahmad Zahid contained an element of corruption.
As reported by “Sinar Harian,” the report was lodged at Terengganu MACC office at 12pm and ended two hours later.
The Pas Youth Chief, Mohd. Harun Esa alleged the speech of Ahmad Zahid at an event had promised a certain allocation for the youths believed to contain an element of corruption.
“In his speech (Ahmad Zahid) mentioned that on 12th August 2023 the youths have to follow the Blue Wave (BN) and Red Wave (PH) that exist in Terengganu.
“For us the statement is believed to contain an element to bribe the voters,” he said to the reporters on Sunday.
Mohd. Harun added, investigation should be conducted even though MACC in its statement had said the announcement of the government incentive is not categorised as corruption.
“We are not against the announcement of the aids but the irony is it is given before the elections and after the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN),” he said. –Malaysia World News
