Why announce RM216mil allocation now, Muda tells Nga

PETALING JAYA: Muda president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz has questioned the timing of housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming’s announcement of a RM216.44 million allocation for housing development and community welfare in Johor.

The former Puteri Wangsa assemblyman criticised the government’s practice of distributing “election goodies” whenever elections are held, adding that voters can distinguish between genuine policy announcements and politically-timed “candies”.

“I am not against development. But the question here is why are these announcements made when state elections are around the corner?” she said in an Instagram post.

“Are these election ‘candies’ that the minister wants to throw around for Bangsa Johor? Don’t think that our people are stupid.”

Amira also criticised Nga for making similar announcements during by-elections in the past, including in Kuala Kubu Baharu and Sungai Bakap.

Yesterday, Nga said his ministry had allocated RM216.44 million to Johor under the 13th Malaysia Plan to boost housing development, public amenities and community welfare.

Speaking during an event in Skudai, Johor, Nga said the funds cover affordable housing projects, maintenance, public amenities, community safety, solid waste management, as well as urban and rural development.

The Johor election is set for July 11, with nominations on June 27 and early voting on July 7.