PSM questions announcement of new Bandar Enstek hospital ahead of elections

The Malaysian Socialist Party (PSM) has questioned the timing of the Health Minister's announcement regarding the construction of a new hospital in Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan, particularly as state elections approach.

PSM Negeri Sembilan Secretary S. Tinagaran stated that while the hospital is necessary to improve public health facilities given the area's rapid population growth, the government must explain why the announcement was made just before citizens prepare to elect a new state government. "The public cannot be blamed if they see this announcement as another example of development politics often practiced by ruling parties leading up to elections," Tinagaran said.

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The public cannot be blamed if they see this announcement as another example of development politics often practiced by ruling parties leading up to elections.

He argued that announcing major projects funded by public money during election periods provides a political advantage to those in power and contradicts the spirit of fair democratic competition. Tinagaran emphasized that the hospital will be funded by taxpayers, not political parties, and the government should not use public projects for political gain or to influence voter preferences.

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This step is important to ensure the public is not just presented with announcements or promises that may not translate into actual implementation.

PSM called for transparency, demanding the government publicly disclose the project's approval status, construction costs, funding sources, implementation timeline, and target completion date if the project was planned earlier. "This step is important to ensure the public is not just presented with announcements or promises that may not translate into actual implementation," Tinagaran added.

Tinagaran concluded that Negeri Sembilan residents are politically mature and desire consistent policies, thorough planning, and sustained commitment to public welfare, rather than seasonal announcements before elections. "Public hospitals are the people's right, not an election gift, nor a tool for campaigning or political capital," he stated.

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Public hospitals are the people's right, not an election gift, nor a tool for campaigning or political capital.