PETALING JAYA: Following a senator’s reported remark that Orang Asli village chiefs could lose their salaries or posts if they did not support Putrajaya in the upcoming Cameron Highlands by-election, the Election Commission has warned politicians and campaigners against breaching election laws.
The commission’s chairman, Azhar Harun, reminded them not to breach Section 9 of the Election Offenses Act 1954, which involves corrupt practices and placing undue influence on voters, as it would invite serious consequences.
“Many believe that it is ok to do whatever they like before nomination day. They should read the law,” Azhar said in a tweet.
“Many acts are offences if they are committed before, during or after an election. Read guys, Read!” he said.
Azhar was responding to a Malaysiakini report about Orang Asli senator Bob Manolan Mohd’s reported comments that Orang Asli village chiefs (tok batin) in Cameron Highlands could lose their salaries and posts if they did not support the federal government.
Bob Manolan, from PKR, was further quoted as saying that tok batin are paid by the federal government and, therefore, they must support Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“If they don’t support, ‘kita buang’ (we discard them),” he reportedly said.
PKR president Anwar Ibrahim asked Bob Manolan to immediately clarify his alleged threats to tok batin.
“There is no coercion in a democracy. Bob has to clarify his statement immediately,” Anwar said in a tweet.
Election watchdog Bersih 2.0 chairman Thomas Fann, in an immediate reaction, asked the Election Commission to haul up the senator for his threats.
“If this was said by the senator, he needs to be hauled up under the Election Offences Act for undue influence.
“I hope the tok batin or members of the public will file a police report so that he is investigated,” he told FMT.
He also hoped PH takes disciplinary action against him.
Malaysiakini had also reported that chiefs and representatives of 18 Semai Orang Asli villages in the area were present during the question-and-answer session.
Village chiefs are paid between RM800 and RM1,200, based on the number of villagers they oversee and the size of their village.
‘It was not a threat’
The Star Online reported this evening that Bob Manolan had denied threatening the Orang Asli.
He said he was explaining to the Orang Asli village headmen to put aside political differences and work together with the federal government to improve their villages in Cameron Highlands.
“I did not threaten them. It was a dialogue with tok batin and one asked me about the salaries of the tok batin,” he said.
He said he explained that as the federal government pays the salaries of the tok batin, they would have to follow the agenda set out by the government.
He said some tok batin were heads of Umno branches and refused to attend meetings held by government agencies.
“I said they would have to choose between acting as a tok batin or as an Umno branch chief if you want to be helped by the federal government.
“I did not say that tok batin who do not support Pakatan Harapan will not get paid. That is not true.”
He said he had spoken to Anwar about the matter.
The by-election is on Jan 26. Nominations will be held tomorrow. - FMT
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