#PrkKimanis : Demonstrate your objections, Umno VP tells Bersih

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) has been challenged to hold a demonstration to show its objection to several alleged questionable practices in the Kimanis by-election campaign.

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said while Bersih had spoken up against unethical practices such as the announcement of grants and projects ahead of the by-election, including an event where Warisan leaders handed out lucky draw prizes during a Christmas celebration in Membakut, it is far from sufficient.“Bersih should hold street parades and demos as a protest against unclean election practices,” he said when visiting fishermen in Kg Binsulok yesterday.

He said Bersih held numerous demonstrations calling for free and fair elections when Barisan Nasional was in power and should continue to do so.

Ismail said Umno had lodged numerous reports over the alleged improprieties but they have yet to see any action taken.

Earlier in the event, Ismail, who is also a former Agriculture Minister, said fishermen in the area were concerned about their livelihood, with their catch being unstable, and with the special assistance given to fishermen reduced.

“Last time, both husband and wife will get assistance, but now, only the husbands are eligible to apply and even so, the amount has been reduced from RM300 to RM200, even though the government had announced that they will increase the amount to RM250 in Budget 2019,” he said.

Ismail said fishermen also hoped the government would allow them to take shelter at the protected Pulau Tiga zone near Kuala Penyu during bad weather.

He urged the government to take stricter measures against trawlers as they sometimes destroy fishing grounds of small-time fishermen.

The Star