PD POLLS | There is no harm in Pakatan Harapan candidate Anwar Ibrahim attending free events organised by others in the run-up to the Port Dickson by-election, says DAP deputy chairperson Gobind Singh Deo.
As Gobind pointed out, such dinners and concerts are part and parcel of election season.
"If it is an event organised by a group of people so that the candidate can actually go there and introduce himself, I think it is okay.
"I think candidates should attend as many functions as they can so that they can explain to the people what their policies are, and why these people should vote for them," he said after arriving in Port Dickson today to join Anwar's campaign.
The communications and multimedia minister was responding to concerns raised about a free dinner in Lukut for up to 4,000 people, as well as a free concert scheduled for tonight.
Gobind recalled that he was asked to attend many functions organised by other groups in previous election campaigns.
"When I stood for election in Puchong, many people asked me to go to their functions because they wanted to introduce the candidate to the people.
"So at the end of the day, I think this is part and parcel of an election.
"It is not a case of Anwar himself organising the function, calling everyone and giving out food. It is the other way around," he added.
"If people invite us to attend an event, we have to go. And if the organiser serves food at the event, that is organised by them. There is no problem," he said.
"Are we saying that the candidate cannot come to a coffee shop where the people are buying food for each other?" he posed.
Free concert, picnics
The matter arose when Lukut Harapan state assemblyperson Choo Ken Hwa raised concern over two free dinners in Lukut on Oct 1 and Oct 11 respectively.
He said using free treats to attract votes was not a healthy practice for the New Malaysia.
The DAP lawmaker feared the ruling party may turn itself into a "BN 2.0" or "Umno 2.0" by doing so.
It was reported that Anwar will attend the free "Picnic PD" concert tonight.
The event was co-organised by the Anwar Ibrahim Club (AIC), the Pertubuhan Khidmat Kebajikan Masyarakat Madani and the Muafakat Anak Muda Port Dickson.
It will feature celebrities M Nasir, Awie, Hattan, Ito and Wani Hasrita. - Mkini
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