BN has never threatened voters, Najib tells supporters

Former premier Najib Abdul Razak today claimed that his previous BN administration had never issued any threats to secure support from voters.

Speaking to some 150 supporters, Najib recalled how BN had allocated more funds under BR1M for low-income households, and how Pakatan Harapan as the then federal opposition had mocked the direct cash aid as a bribe for the people.

"What bribe? Everyone got it. Even Harapan supporters received it.

"Sometimes they will even queue up in front of the line to receive it," mocked Najib, who claimed that BN also never resorted to issuing threats for support.

He went on to cite the alleged threat made by PKR senator Bob Manolan Mohd to Orang Asli village chiefs (tok batin) in Cameron Highlands yesterday.

"We never threatened...unlike in Camerons. We in BN never did that.

"Whether or not you support or otherwise, you are all Malaysians, and you will all get it (financial aid)," said Najib during the function organised by Umno-linked NGOs Benar Malaysia and DSN Supporters Club, held at the basement space in Residensi Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur.

For about one hour, Najib addressed his supporters, who largely comprised former Lembah Pantai squatters who were initially relocated to the Kerinchi People's Housing Project before being moved to the new condominium complex about three years ago.

Speaking to reporters later, Najib reiterated that Bob Manolan's statement could be construed as an election offence that was punishable under the law.

"We hope so but let there not be any threats like the one made by a senator.

"Such threats go against democratic practices and action could be taken for breaking election laws," said Najib when asked whether BN's move to field Ramli Mohd Nor - an Orang Asli former senior police officer - would work in its advantage.

Based on figures from the 14th general election, the Orang Asli make up about 22 percent of the total number of voters - the highest percentage of Orang Asli voters in all seats nationwide.

Ahead of nominations day today for the Cameron Highlands polls, Bob Manolan had warned that the tok batin could lose their salaries and posts if they do not support the federal government.

He had been speaking at a dialogue yesterday with the tok batin in Pos Betau, Jelai.

The senator later denied issuing the threat. He insisted that he had meant that the chiefs should not be involved with Umno while receiving an allowance from the federal government, because this was a conflict of interest.

However, he did not refer to his comment about depriving the tok batin of their posts or salaries, which was caught in an audio recording.

Several tok batin Malaysiakini spoke to after the event had also been outraged by the senator's remarks, which they said were belittling.

Mulling campaigning for BN

Asked whether he would assist BN's by-election campaign in Cameron Highlands, Najib remained coy and said he was still considering whether to accept requests for him to do so from local grassroots.

"If there are requests from the locals for me to assist, I am willing to assist. If they don't think they need me, then there's no need for me (to assist).

"For now I was informed by Pahang Menteri Besar that there have been a lot of requests for me to go there, so I'm considering it," said the Pekan MP.

Meanwhile, the former BN chairperson also expressed confidence that disputed MyPPP president M Kayveas' move to throw his support behind Harapan's candidate M Manogaran would not affect Ramli's chances of winning the seat.

"Kayveas is the former MyPPP president although now there is a dispute.

"But he will not affect BN's chances of winning because we have a credible candidate, and our machinery will go all out to ensure a BN victory," said Najib.

Kayveas had previously announced his intention to contest in the Cameron Highlands by-election. - Mkini