Dr M: Streram’s not bankrupt, he is free to run

Debt allegations against Pakatan Harapan’s Rantau candidate did not disqualify him from contention, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Asked about accusations that the by-election candidate Dr S Streram had unpaid debts to a PKR colleague, Mahathir pointed out that Streram was never declared a bankrupt and as such retained his right to contest the seat.

"The debt issue with Rantau candidate, if it is against the law, we will not field him to contest the by-election, he told reporters in parliament,

"Having debts it is still okay to be the candidate unless he is bankrupt," Mahathir said.

Mahathir also said Streram was denied his right to contest in GE14 and Harapan upholds the principle of fairness of allowing a qualified candidate to contest.

"We know that he was defeated through cheating."

"Now, the election result for the seat has been nullified and a by-election is being held to determine the elected representative. So, we field the same person," he said.

Streram's bid to contest in Rantau in GE14 was blocked after he was prohibited from entering the nomination hall for not possessing the Election Commission-issued pass.

Incumbent Mohamad Hasan, a former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar, retained the seat by default until the Special Election Court in Seremban’s declaration on Feb 18 that his victory was null and void, paving the way for a by-election.

Streram has denied allegations by his PKR colleague, Segamat MP Edmund Santhara, that he owes the latter RM62,000.

In a police report filed by Santhara, which made rounds on social media, Streram had allegedly borrowed the sum in January last year to help pay for his daughter's college registration fees.

In denying the claims, Streram also alleged that it was an attempt to slander him by some quarters within the party, ahead of the Rantau by-election.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim had yesterday officially announced Streram's candidacy against Mohamad Hassan, who is Umno acting president.

When met later, Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali said Streram's main challenge would be to convince voters of his ability to serve.

The PKR deputy president also said the party does not take into account the issue of race when fielding candidates for elections.

He is a Malaysian, and I believe he will be able to represent all races as an assemblyman,” Azmin told reporters in Parliament, when asked on Harapan's chance amid mounting racial sentiments played up by Barisan Nasional and the new Umno-PAS alliance.

"Well of course they will keep harping upon that, since it is a matter of their survival.

"I remain confident the combined energies and election machineries of Pakatan Harapan’s parties will put up stiff competition against the Opposition in the by-election,” he said.

The Election Commission has set March 30 for nominations in the Rantau by-election. Early voting is on April 8 while polling day falls on April 13. - Mkini