PKR candidate alleges bribery in Tapah

K Vasantha Kumar claims that RM100 vouchers were given out during the campaign period.

PETALING JAYA: The PKR candidate for the Tapah parliamentary seat K Vasantha Kumar claims that RM100 vouchers were given out during the campaign period.

But, MIC’s M Saravanan, who won the seat, claimed that it was for party workers.

On May 26, Vasantha Kumar lodged a police report against Saravanan at the Tapah police station for handing out vouchers to the public.

“Approximately 600 vouchers have been handed out and the public has redeemed it for cash,” he claimed.

“Giving out cash or vouchers are considered a bribery even if it is to party members and I hope the authorities will look into the matter,” he added.

The voucher contained the signature of MIC Tapah division head Dr M Malasingam.

Saravanan said the vouchers were given to members of the party for the work they carried out during the campaign period.

“Let the police investigate as the vouchers were handed out only to party members for carrying out campaign duties.

“Vasantha Kumar wasn’t the only candidate who contested against me, there were two other professionals who contested as independents. So far, we have not heard any complaints from them,” he added.

Saravanan retained the seat by 7,927 votes in the four-cornered tussle, which also included Independents Shaharuzzaman Bistamam and Ridzuan Bani.