DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has echoed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive that government aid should not bear the emblem of any political party. Loke emphasizes the importance of adhering to Anwar’s guidance, regardless of political affiliation. Loke himself has consistently followed this practice even before Anwar’s reminder, underscoring that government allocations should solely feature the national coat of arms. The move aims to ensure the integrity of government aid and preserve its non-partisan nature, respecting Anwar’s admonition on the eve of the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seat by-elections.
At an event hosted at a school in Seremban, Loke asserted, “The Prime Minister’s reprimand yesterday was very accurate; all parties must follow it.” He further emphasized that he had consistently adhered to this practice even before Anwar’s reminder. His personal practice involves exclusively displaying the national coat of arms on every replica of a government allocation check.
Elaborating on his approach, Loke stressed, “The focus is on the national coat of arms on the check replica because this is a government allocation. So, the Prime Minister’s reprimand is accurate. This is a government allocation, not money from an individual or party. Government allocations must adhere to established provisions and bear only the national coat of arms.”
During the event, Loke presented a check amounting to RM324,668 to SMK Dato’ Sheikh Ahmad. The funds are designated for constructing a covered open hall for the students’ benefit.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s directive, conveyed through national news agency Bernama, firmly emphasizes that government aid during the by-election campaign for the Pulai parliamentary seat and the Simpang Jeram state seat must remain devoid of any political party symbols. This move aims to safeguard the impartiality and credibility of government aid, particularly within the political context of the ongoing by-elections.
The Election Commission (EC) has officially designated today as the nomination day for both the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seat by-elections. This marks a crucial phase in the electoral process that will determine the candidates vying for these seats.