Rapelson Richard Hamit, who is PBDS Baru’s candidate for the state seat, is a recipient of the monthly RM500 aid meant for individuals with disabilities (OKU) from the state welfare department (JKM).
Yesterday, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rohani Abdul Karim said Rapelson’s decision to contest against BN candidate Jamilah Anu, who is the widow of the late chief minister Adenan Satem, showed ingratitude to the government.
“We don’t oppose those wishing to contest, but I’m saddened to see a recipient of the monthly aid is going against the government of the day,” Rohani said in a speech in Lundu yesterday.
In a response today, PBDS Baru said Rohani’s comments were “uncalled for”.
“Just because Rapelson is a recipient of financial aid from JKM, does not mean that Rapelson has no rights whatsoever to fight for what he believes is right,” the party said in a statement.
The party said Rapelson was contesting to fight for the rights of Native Customary Rights (NCR) landowners.
“Instead of insinuating that Rapelson is not being appreciative as a recipient of the aid given by JKM, she should have seen it from another perspective, that Rapelson is being the voice of the people and all NCR landowners in general.
“Just because an individual is aided by the government does not mean that individual has to keep silent if there is something not right in his community,” the party said.
“Rapelson should be given credit as an OKU instead as he still willingly fights for what is right and he should not be condemned for expressing his rights as a Sarawakian.”
The seat will see a three-cornered fight, with another opposition party, the Sarawak Reform Party, also contesting. Polling will be held this Saturday.
Rapelson said he was willing to return the welfare aid he received from JKM.
“I am willing to give back my allowance as I stand for Sarawakians and Malaysians at large. I am a qualified candidate,” he said.
“I was expecting comments on my allowance from the government, especially against a disabled person like myself.”
Rapelson also claimed there are double standards as to how government funds are spent.
“Rohani should not have said that it was their money. It is the taxpayers’ money and the rakyat has paid for it through taxes.
“BN has been using all the government facilities and agencies for the Tanjung Datu campaign. They’ve misused their position but no one complains about it,” he said.