Working visit by PH ministers to Semenyih a coincidence, not to campaign - Rina

SEMENYIH, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- The presence of Pakatan Harapan (PH) cabinet ministers from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in programmes involving their ministries in the Semenyih state constituency has been planned earlier and not for campaign purpose.

Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun said the programmes included her working visit today.

The programme has been planned earlier and it is by coincidence that the date falls near the (Semenyih) by-election date.

“It is not fair, because there is a by-election, programme to present aid has to be cancelled. There are several processes carried out earlier before the aid can be given.

"As such, things like this should not be seen as hampering the ministry from giving its service to the people because our focus is to help them,” she told reporters after visiting Bazar MARA Semenyih here today.

She said this in response to a remark by the Coalition for Clean and fair Elections (Bersih 2.0)  chairman Thomas Fann for PH leaders, especially ministers and deputy ministers, to put high standard of ethics based on the principle of clean and fair elections.

It was made following programmes on working visit to the state constituency by Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik over the past one week.

Rina, who is also Bersatu Srikandi chief, said she would take note of such remarks.

"If there is a political agenda, we would have focused the aid only for voters,” she added.

Earlier, she opened a creative sewing course by the Community Development Department at Balai Raya Kampung Rinching Hilir and also visited the Hardcore Poor Housing Project (PPRT) at Jalan Sungai Lalang. 

-- BERNAMA