A total of RM37.7 million in taxpayers funds were spent on government projects and programs during the Sibu by-election, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said in a written parliamentary reply today.

“For the Sibu by-election, the government approved 107 programmes or projects valued at RM37.7 million to be implemented throughout the Parliamentary constituency,” said Najib.

The amount was spent on physical infrastructure, cash contributions ( sumbangan/bantuan ) and social programmes.

azlan According to a chart provided by Najib, a total of RM28.7 million was spent on cash contributions alone.

“The government has never promised programmes or projects for the public during by-election campaigns throughout the country, including in Sibu," he said.

“The programmes or projects that were implemented during by-elections were planned before the by-election.”

Najib was replying to a question from Wong Ho Leng (DAP-Sibu), who snatched the seat from BN by a wafer-thin majority during the May 16 by-election.

No breakdown given

Met at the Parliament lobby, Wong criticised the government for failing to give a full breakdown of the allocations spent.

He said the 66 cash contributions were highly suspicious and warrants a proper explanation.

NONE “We don’t know what this 66 items are. Does it include the infamous RM5 million promise? Does it include the RM18 million given to vernacular schools? What about the money for churches?

“Same goes for the ‘physical’ and ‘programme’ category. The public deserves to know the breakdown,” said Wong ( left ).

“Nonetheless, this RM37 million shows that BN will only give money during by-election. No wonder people like by-election.”

Najib came under fire after dangling a RM5 million flood mitigation project for Rajang Park voters, on condition that BN is voted in.