Friday 29 Mar 2024
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KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 31): The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) has called for Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) vice-president Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman to be reprimanded for his remarks that Government resources should be given to party members to retain power.

In a statement today, C4 Centre executive director Cynthia Gabriel said the anti-graft non-governmental organisation is "disturbed" by the calls made by Abdul Rashid.

"It is now absolutely necessary for Bersatu to reprimand Abdul Rashid for making such proposals which would only bring Malaysia back to how it was under Umno.

"The action against Abdul Rashid would also indicate the party’s credibility in handling such issues. Pakatan Harapan component parties cannot succumb to Umno style politics," she added.

Yesterday, in his speech made during Bersatu’s second annual general meeting, Abdul Rashid was quoted as saying that it is “stupid” not to give government projects to party members.

"He also pointed out that the projects given to his party’s division leaders would be vital in ensuring the party’s victory in the coming general elections by 'hook or crook'. Abdul Rashid should consider himself as lucky for chairing the election reforms committee for which he receives a fat salary, even though he had in the past, admitted to ensuring Umno’s victory in elections," said Gabriel.

She pointed out that the move by the party's Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who criticised calls from delegates for contracts, and the youth wing Armada which stood firm against this practice, indicates that the party’s youth wing is ready to lead in the right way.

"It is now time for Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to keep up with his words regarding public procurement laws as promised by Pakatan Harapan (PH) in its election manifesto regarding good governance. It is worth reminding that PH won on the ticket of good governance.

"It is therefore imperative that they do not back track on their promise," said Gabriel.

She added that C4 Centre is willing to assist the Government to bring about positive changes "but nothing will change if there is no political will on the part of PH".

"We would like to demand the Government to engage stakeholders in drafting public procurement law and cut Abdul Rashid’s salary and suspend his position until he apologises to Bersatu delegates," she added.

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