By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 15: Social activist Jeffery Ngui Voon Chiang’s proposal for AirBorneo to offer one-way fares from as low as RM99 to help Sarawakians living outside the State return to vote in the upcoming Sarawak election is not a form of vote-buying but an appeal for the Sarawak-owned airline to consider a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative to help Sarawakians carry out their democratic responsibility.
In a statement, Ngui clarified that the proposed RM99 fare would cover only the basic flight ticket, excluding meals, checked baggage, and other additional services we it aims to focus on providing a lower-fare option so that more Sarawakians could return home to vote.
“Some have argued that a fare of around RM300 would be sufficient. But the question is, can everyone still afford RM300?
“For those in the B40 income group, students, low-wage earners and ordinary working people, RM300 remains a significant expense, especially if they need to purchase return tickets. That is why the RM99 proposal was put forward,” he said.
He stressed that it was important to distinguish between efforts to make voting more accessible to the public and the provision of inducements intended to influence someone’s political choices.
In addition, he said that the proposal did not originate from any candidate, political party or political campaign fund, and that it is a recommendation for AirBorneo’s management to consider a corporate initiative that would benefit the people of Sarawak regardless of their political beliefs or affiliations.
“The right to vote belongs to the people. The cost of air travel should not become a barrier preventing Sarawakians from returning home to help determine the future of their own State.
“AirBorneo, this is an opportunity to demonstrate that a Sarawak-owned airline does more than connect destinations; it can also play a role in serving the interests of the people and strengthening democracy in the state.
“Efforts to help the people should not be politicised. Let us give this CSR initiative, which could benefit all Sarawakians, the opportunity to be considered,” he said.
Ngui first brought up the proposal on Nov 4, to which Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg responded by saying that the any proposal of that nature must be carefully considered to avoid being misconstrued as an inducement or form of bribery.
Abang Johari said that the caretaker Sarawak government would look into the suggestion but stressed that any initiative must not raise questions about its intentions or be interpreted as an attempt to influence voters. — DayakDaily
