Harapan candidate to look into inflammatory campaign materials

SEMENYIH POLLS | The Pakatan Harapan candidate in the Semenyih state by-election, Muhammad Aiman Zainali, has denied that his aides had come up with campaign materials that were inflammatory and which condemned the opposition, and promised to look into the matter.

“We will look into the matter and see if we can bring down the banners and posters,” he said.

Since yesterday, several banners - "We Are Not Thieves", "We Are Not Liars" and "We Are Not Robbers" - had been plastered on walls in the area, while banners and buntings were hanging at the main junction of Semenyih town.

Muhammad Aiman also denied that his election machinery was involved in the distribution of pamphlets and posters condemning former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"I'm not sure who is circulating these materials, but they are definitely not from us. I believe in having a healthy election campaign and in following the path of democracy. Let the voters determine who loses and wins," he said.

In another development, Muhammad Aiman (photo) said he had received a lot of complaints from the local community who wanted improvements to infrastructure in the district.

"Among the many issues raised were those involving flooding, traffic congestion, traffic lights, and traders in the Pekan Baharu market in Semenyih, who wanted improvements and repairs done to the market building," he added.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry had to consider several factors, including population density and needs, before buildng a hospital in Semenyih

Dzulkefly was commenting on Muhammad Aiman who had told the constituents that he would strive to get a district hospital in the area.

While promises could be made, they had to be reasonable as the ministry had to look into various requirements, he said after attending his ministry's Chinese New Year Celebration in Putrajaya today.

Muhammad Aiman is defending the seat for Harapan in a four-cornered contest that also involves Zakaria Hanafi of the Barisan Nasional (BN); Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul of Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and Kuan Chee Heng, an independent candidate.

The by-election is being held following the death of the incumbent, Bakhtiar Mohd Nor, of Bersatu, from a heart attack on Jan 11.

- Bernama