BACHOK, Feb 25 – The annual allocation of between RM20 million and RM30 million as compassionate fund by the federal government to Kelantan has never been spent in the political interest, said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin(Pic). He said the money was spent to help the people, including in the renovation of houses, for flood and storm relief, and to reward outstanding students.
“The Kelantan Federal Development Department (JPP) keeps a record of the disbursement of the funds, which can be inspected if necessary,” he told reporters after handing out aid to 217 students for achieving excellent results in the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) examination at the Bachok District Office, here, today.
The Kelantan Compassionate Fund Disbursement Committee allocated RM32,550 as aid for the students. Awang Adek, who is also Kelantan Umno Liaison Committee deputy chairman, was responding to a demand made by a convoy of motorcyclists, organised by a pro-PAS non-governmental organisation. These motorcyclists had gone around the villages and asked for the compassionate fund to be channelled through the state government and not the JPP.
Awang Adek said the fund was disbursed in a transparent and fair manner based on eligibility without any discrimination or political interest. He said that if the fund was channelled through the state government, there would be no guarantee of fairness, like what happened in the case of the “People’s Estates” where PAS cronies were rewarded.
He said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, who is the chairman of the Kelantan Umno Liaison Committee, worked hard to develop the state. Mustapa had also been instrumental in securing RM7 billion for development projects in Kelantan under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, he added.
BERNAMA
