Wee raps Harapan for 'new meaning' to word 'volunteer'

CAMERON POLLS | MCA president Wee Ka Siong has taken a swipe at Pakatan Harapan over the latter's purported "new definition" for the word 'volunteer'.

The Star quoted Wee as saying that he found it amusing how the term 'volunteer' has taken a new meaning in a new Malaysia, in reference to viral photographs depicting a woman in a red Pakatan Harapan Cameron Highlands T-shirt handing out money.

"When we say 'volunteer', what does it mean?

"According to various dictionaries, it is someone who give services without wanting anything in return.

"Now, a volunteer is someone who gives services, but can get a reward or petrol money," Wee reportedly said last night after a dialogue session with BN candidate Ramli Mohd Nor at Titiwangsa Hotel, Brinchang.

Following outcry over the photographs, Harapan explained the cash was handed out as "reimbursement money" to party volunteers who travelled to Tanah Rata on their own expense for nomination day on Saturday.

Arvind Bharet, the assistant to the Jelai Harapan operations chief, also explained the reimbursement will be declared as part of the coalition's campaign spending.

Meanwhile, Wee also reportedly said it was "strange" for Election Commission chairperson Azhar Harun to state that the body has no power to investigate the incident.

"I believe the EC has teams to monitor all campaigning activities. So if they know something happened, why can't they take action?

"If they can cut out someone's head from posters because it was wrongly shown, why can't they advise on the incident?

"Something is really wrong," Wee was quoted as saying.

Responding to the incident, Azhar yesterday urged witnesses to lodge a report with the relevant authorities with regard to the photographs.

Azhar also said it was hard for him to lodge a report as he did not have direct evidence and can only refer to the images circulated on Twitter.

Beyond the EC, Wee said the MACC and the police should investigate the incident.

"MIC Youth has lodged a police report. Was there any action taken?

"Where's the person who handed out the money? She should have been investigated," said Wee.

Election watchdog Bersih yesterday said it would not be an election offence for political parties to reimburse petrol expenses for their campaign volunteers so long as it was properly declared as part of the candidate's election expenses. - Mkini