Fairus Khairuddin finaly quited as Deputy Chief Minister I of Penang and also as the state assemblyman for Penanti, following allegations that he covered up illegal quarrying activities.
In an interview with Nanyang Siang Pau recently, the PKR leader threatened to expose potentially damaging information about Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) state government, claiming that he had been framed by party insiders. He also claimed that he was a victim of internal politics
It is understood that internal bickering is the main reason why Anwar has been unable to fill the DCM post vacancy. The squabbling has put Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in a fix. It is also a by-election that the CM would not want.
The by-election for the seat, which falls under Anwar’s parliamentary constituency, will be the sixth after the March 8 general election last year. And it is the 3rd by –election called for by PKR as the result of the resignation of PKR leaders due to personal reasons or `tainted –representative` issue.
This is a costly affair for taxpayer and a waste of time. The five by-elections which have been held following the 2008 general election have already cost Malaysian taxpayers RM 33.4 million.
Amount Spent:-
P44 Permatang Pauh (26.08.08)-- RM 409,000.00 (EC) -- RM 2.5 mil.(Police)
P36 Kuala Trengganu (24.01.09)--RM 580,000.00 (EC)---RM 11.5 mil.(Police)
N29 Batang Ai (07.04.09 )---RM 400,000.00 (EC)-- - RM 5 mil.(Police)
N25 Bukit Selambau (07.04.09) --- RM 400,000.00 (EC)--- RM 5 mil.(Police)
P29 Bukit Gantang (07.04.09) ----RM 600,000.00 (EC) ----RM 7 mil.(Police)
Total spending ---- RM 2.4mil.(EC) ----RM 31 mil.(Police) =RM33.4mil.
Where did the money go?:-
Election commission(EC)-for paying election workers, staff allowances, printing costs, transportation including helicopters and accommodation.
Police- for temporary bases and tents, logistics and transportation, accommodation, rental, electricity and outstation allowances.
Political parties- millions on printing billboards, banners, posters, newsletters, logistic, transportation, accommodation and food for volunteers.
Deputy Election commission chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said the potential Penanti by-election could cost Election Commission another RM 300,000.00 depending on the number of registered voters and the remoteness of the area.
Phew!! What costly polls alright ?
PM: Too much being spent on unnecessary by-elections
Speaking at a recent press conference, after opening the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysias (ACCCIM) 63rd annual general meeting, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said,
" National Resources are being wasted on calling for by-elections when the nation should be concentrating on strengthening its economy,”
“It is different if an elected representative has passed away, then he has to be replaced but resignations are political decisions which can also be regarded as a political ploy for specific reasons,” he added.
“Malaysians did not like by-elections that were held deliberately.”
Good news is that BN may not contest Penanti by-election, if it obtains the consensus of all component parties, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in another event in Pekan today.
Najib said he did not rule out such a possibility as the latest by-election in Penang was clearly a "political ploy" by the Opposition.
"No, we are not afraid of losing to them but it is a sheer waste of public funds.”
"Whatever decision we make, we will take into consideration whether it benefits the people.”
Anwar - who is believed to have "forced" the by-election to prevent the graft allegations against Fairus from blowing up and to avert any possibility of him defecting to the United Malays National Organisation - has come under fire for the decision, but kept silent about the issue over the last week.
HOW Anwar handles the controversy surrounding the resignations of Penang Deputy Chief Minister and assemblyman Fairus Khairuddin will be one of the main issues in the upcoming by-election in Penanti, said Penang’s Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
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