Mock cheques during Sabah campaign: Isn’t that unethical, Muhyiddin?

How can we groom the people to raise ethical conduct if our leaders and lawmakers themselves stoop so low, JD Lovrenciear asks. 

The prime minister raised eyebrows when he presented mock cheques totalling over RM60m while on the Sabah state election campaign trail. 

The aid itself is not wrong. The duty and role of any government is to identify needy causes and ease the situation with aid. 

But when it is done unashamedly during an election campaign trail, there is reason to suspect an exploitative agenda at work. 

Why do our leaders always wait for an election to step up on stage to dish out all kinds of aid, whether in cash or in kind? 

Is this not an inducement? And should such inducements be condoned? 

Ethical conduct frowns on such suggestive and insidious actions. A government that truly cares for the people would not wait for an election campaign period to showcase its caring capability. Only opportunists behave in such a manner. 

A campaign period is strictly a platform for parties and candidates to open their report cards or manifestos for public scrutiny and to gain voters’ confidence and trust. 

But our politicians never learn. Do they? 

How can we groom the people to raise ethical conduct if our leaders and lawmakers themselves stoop so low? 

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

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