Harapan using BN funds to topple Najib, says Dr M

GE14 | Pakatan Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the opposition coalition is using funds from BN to topple caretaker prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

He also credited Najib and BN secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor with saving Harapan with regard to finances.

Mahathir once again accused Najib of blocking financial contributions to Harapan using the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and MACC.

“Those suspected of helping Harapan will be visited by IRB and MACC. Many are forced to pay additional taxes amounting to millions.

“MACC will instead accuse businesspersons of money laundering. With this, their money in the bank is frozen and they can't do business.

“These actions have stopped the financial contribution to Harapan parties. Harapan has no money for election expenditure,” he said in a blog posting this afternoon.

However, Mahathir claimed that money given to voters by BN have provided a financial lifeline for the opposition coalition.

“Harapan has been saved by Najib and Tengku Adan because a portion, sometimes the entire amount received, is given to Harapan parties out of sympathy.

“This is the money being used for the campaign to topple Najib and Tengku Adnan,” he added.

Take the cash, recite the oath, but vote Harapan

Mahathir also noted how cash and kitchen appliances were being given to the people by Umno leaders during ceramah.

He said when the attendance is poor, those present can get two or three items.

“Lately, many of the recipients have contributed a portion of the cash received to Harapan. The items are also sold and the proceeds donated to Harapan,” he added.

Mahathir said he expects more cash to flow during the next few days of the campaign period and advised the people to accept whatever is given to them.

Reiterating his theft accusation against Najib, which the latter and the authorities have denied, the former premier said the money given rightfully belonged to the people.

“This is not Najib's money. Recipients don't have to be thankful to Najib or BN for getting their 'stolen' money back. The recipients don't have to vote BN.

“If Najib or Tengku Adnan give cash or things, we take. Don't be thankful and don't give them your vote,” he added.

Mahathir also claimed that sometimes, the recipients would be asked to swear in the name of God that they would vote BN.

“In Islam, the intention is more important than what is recited. The recipients can recite (the oath) according to the wishes of Najib's minions but the intention in the heart is to vote Harapan.

“This is not wrong from a religious standpoint because there is no compulsion in Islam,” he added. - Mkini