I specifically pointed out that Mahathir would begin his second pre-election tour of the country in Kedah yesterday and today to drum up voter support in the run-up to the next general election and that there must be a clear distinction between his two positions, one as Prime Minister of the country and the other as head of UMNO and Barisan Nasional.
I stressed that it is none of the business of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to campaign for votes for the Barisan Nasional, and when Mahathir goes round the country in his capacity as UMNO and Barisan Nasional President to drum up voter support for these political organisations, public funds and government resources must not be involved or it would be a blatant abuse of power, misappropriation of public funds and clear conflict of interest.
Malaysian taxpayers pay Mahathir to carry out his duties as Prime Minister and not as President of UMNO and Chairman of Barisan Nasional.
Yesterday, Mahathir’s speech in Yan was telecast live, although it was a Barisan Nasional gathering with the Barisan Nasional dominating the stage. The rostrum was clearly shown on television as a JKR property.
Why was a Barisan Nasional political gathering, where Mahathir openly solicited the support of the voters for UMNO and Barisan Nasional, telecast live on government television channel. Why were JKR properties used in the Barisan Nasional gathering when it had nothing do whatsoever with the Public Works Department? Did Barisan Nasional pay RTM for the live telecast and JKR for the use of its properties?
I am disappointed that the Auditor-General had not responded to my call that he conduct a special audit to ensure that there is no misuse of public funds and government resources in Mahathir’s pre-election tours of the country as the head of UMNO and Barisan Nasional.
As Mahathir is now starting his second series of national pre-election tours, the Auditor-General should assign a special task force to follow Mahathir to conduct a spot-check of all instances of misuse of funds and government resources.
I am perturbed by Datuk Mohamed Khalil’s silence and inaction. I call on the Auditor-General to clarify whether he is empowered to conduct a special audit to ensure no misuse of public funds in Mahathir’s pre-election tours or whether his office is another state institution which has lost its independence, professionalism and integrity.
(22/10/99)