Star joins BN campaign trail as Najib perks up armed forces hopes

Two huge photos in The Star today: the front page carries a large picture of Abdullah Badawi, accompanied by Sarawak CM Taib Mahmud, with BN flags in the background. Over on page 8, a similar snap of Najib, accompanied by Kedah MB Syed Razak Syed Zain. So has the BN campaign begun or what?

Why is The Star giving such prominence to Najib's "working visit" to Kedah? Is the working visit in his capacity as Deputy PM or as Barisan leader? He can't have it both ways.

On page 8 as well, Najib raises the hopes of armed forces personnel by saying that the government is considering additional allowances for the forces. He said the type of allowance could not be announced as the government has not yet given its approval, and then added, "I hope they will be approved in the near future." If the allowances have not yet been approved, is it really news? Or is The Star trying to provide positive publicity for the BN campaign? Highlighting promises of financial perks ahead of a general election is also unethical as it is tantamount to vote-buying.