The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has criticised Transport Minister Anthony Loke for announcing RM1,000 in special financial assistance for taxi drivers at a Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate announcement event for the Melaka state election.
Bersih’s steering committee said the move could create the impression that the assistance came from a contesting political party, even though it was funded by government revenue.
It said government-funded assistance should not be announced or promoted at political campaign events, as this could give the ruling party an unfair advantage.
“Proceeds from the sale of special registration numbers used to fund this aid are government revenue that should rightfully benefit all citizens.
“It is not money belonging to any political party and should not be announced or promoted during campaign events to give an advantage to the ruling party,” Bersih said in a statement.
Bersih questions timing of announcement
Bersih said explanations that the assistance was intended for recipients nationwide did not address why the aid for drivers in Melaka was highlighted during the PH candidate announcement ceremony.
Loke had previously denied that the RM1,000 special assistance for taxi, rental car and school bus drivers in Melaka was intended to fish for votes in the state election.
He said the incentive was being provided to taxi, rental car and school bus drivers nationwide, as announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of the 2027 Budget in Parliament recently.
Aid funded by registration number sales
The assistance is funded by proceeds from the sale of special vehicle registration numbers bearing the letter ‘H’, which generated RM91.21 million.
Revenue from the sales was channelled into several public initiatives, including the MyLesen Programme, free motorcycle helmets and financial assistance for taxi and rental car drivers.
