Bersih questions Loke's RM1,000 taxi aid announcement ahead of Melaka polls

KUALA LUMPUR: The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has criticised Transport Minister Anthony Loke for announcing a RM1,000 special financial assistance for taxi drivers during a Pakatan Harapan candidate announcement event for the Melaka election.

The Bersih steering committee said the move could create the perception that the aid was a contribution from a contesting 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 it could provide an unfair advantage to the ruling party.

"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 said explanations that the assistance was meant for recipients nationwide did not address why the aid for Melaka drivers was highlighted during the PH candidate announcement ceremony.

Loke had previously denied that the RM1,000 special aid for taxi, rental car, and school bus drivers in Melaka was aimed at fishing for votes in the state polls.

He said the incentive was being provided to all taxi, rental car, and school bus drivers nationwide, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of the 2027 Budget in parliament recently.S

The aid is funded by proceeds from the sale of the special "H" vehicle registration numbers, which recorded a total collection of 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.