LETTER | Is Harapan-BN govt exploiting Hari Raya for political gain?

LETTER | In the midst of our country’s vibrant and lively Hari Raya celebrations, a pressing question arises: is the government’s expenditure on these open houses genuinely in the public's best interests or merely a political ploy?

Both citizens and political analysts have expressed scepticism about the timing and scope of the government’s spending on these potentially unnecessary and politically motivated celebrations.

Let us investigate the motivations behind the government’s decisions to determine if these expenditures truly benefit Malaysians or serve a concealed political agenda.

The government’s choice to organise Hari Raya open houses in six states has sparked debate as some observers believe political reasons drove this decision. State elections are forthcoming in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Selangor, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan.

Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli defended the intention, asserting that these events incurred lower costs than previous open houses hosted by the former administration in Putrajaya.

Nonetheless, this justification has not convinced everyone; some argue that the timing and motivation behind the government’s decisions are questionable.

To better understand the various motivations behind the government’s spending on these events, it is crucial to ask if the Pakatan Harapan-BN administration is willing to openly disclose all expenses to the public.

While the choice to hold open houses in these states was supported as a cost-saving measure, the events’ timing, coinciding with upcoming state elections, raised questions about the government’s true intentions.

Could this strategy be designed to distract voters from pressing issues and focus their attention on the disproportionate extravaganzas? And if the government is genuinely committed to supporting these events in the name of unity and inclusivity, why were other states not included in this initiative?

While some may enjoy the celebrations and the sense of community they bring, it is essential to examine the political motivations behind these events. Is the administration striving to create an image of inclusivity and fairness by catering to specific states, or is its primary goal to secure votes in the next state elections?

If the latter is accurate, the government’s expenditure on these specific Hari Raya celebrations may exemplify the political use of public money.

Additionally, some may wonder if the funds spent by the government on these occasions could have been better allocated to areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. With numerous individuals still struggling economically, are these celebrations the most responsible use of public funds?

People must demand increased honesty and accountability from the Harapan-BN government regarding using this money. The critical question is whether public taxes are utilised for the common benefit or to advance the political ambition of those in power.

As Malaysians celebrate the festive season with joy and unity, citizens should remain vigilant and question the government’s intentions. If the government is not exploiting public funds for political gain, are they serving the people?

The answers to these questions will help the public understand how their government prioritises their interests. A robust democracy depends on an informed and active populace engaged with its government.

MAHATHIR MOHD RAIS is Perikatan Nasional Federal Territories information chief.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.