PAGINATAN: Rubica Gabayoi, a potential candidate for N38 Paginatan under Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (ANAK NEGERI), today issued a strong condemnation of the practice of money politics allegedly being employed by a potential rival in the constituency.
Rubica unequivocally warned voters against supporting corrupt candidates who have amassed wealth while holding public office and are now contesting as election candidates.
She questioned the lavish display of wealth by one of these candidates, noting his exceptional generosity with money, seemingly designed to ‘daunt’ and attract support from the electorate.
”We see this particular candidate using his own money to build rural roads and sponsor huge events, not to mention buying over local leaders to support his party,” Rubica stated in a statement.
In a bold move, Rubica urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) to investigate the massive expenditure by some of these aspiring candidates, especially before or during the campaign period.
“If SPRM were to allow such massive spending by an individual candidate before or during an election campaign, it would be unfair to those who abide by the law.”
“If there is no action taken, it is better to just scrap the election and might as well just appoint him or her to the post unelected,” she asserted, questioning the integrity of the electoral process under such conditions.
Rubica emphasised that Parti ANAK NEGERI operates without corporate funders and is unequivocally corruption-free. She accused political leaders who rely on money to gain support of being potentially corrupt and untrustworthy.
”Paginatan voters should make their choice based on leadership and track record, not on how much money a candidate can spend,” Rubica stressed.
She further criticised her potential rivals, stating, “Some of these leaders have been away in Kota Kinabalu all their lives, sitting in an air-conditioned room. They have no track record of community involvement in Ranau before this.”
Rubica accused them of now “actively promoting themselves as leaders with grassroots support” but pointed out that their entire campaign is, in actual fact, “grounded in money politics”.
Paginatan needs leaders who hail from the area and who have been genuinely involved in community works. Gabayoi expressed concern that if the candidates with lots of money are elected, “they will only be interested in securing power and position and most likely spend most of their time in Kota Kinabalu and use representatives to meet constituents.”
”Parti ANAK NEGERI offers a genuine alternative—a candidate who is local, committed, and dedicated to serving the people of Paginatan without the taint of corruption,” concluded Rubica Gabayoi.
