Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal came under criticism about a week ago after a leaked video showed him promising to leverage on his position to issue support letters in exchange for votes in the Bersatu election.
Asked on this today, the freshly elected Bersatu Youth chief said he believed that he did not do anything wrong.
Wan Fayhsal claimed that his promise was made in the context of helping youths, especially those in rural areas, to get assistance provided by the government for the group.
"This happened when I was meeting the grassroots (of Bersatu Youth). I was there not only as a candidate running for the Bersatu Youth chief post, but also as a deputy minister.
"When I went down to meet the youth at the grassroots level, I saw how those in villages and rural areas were disconnected from information and announcements made by the government in Prihatin and Penjana (economic stimulus packages).
"They do not know how they can get all the financial assistance, maybe because they are less IT savvy. So, the context of my speech was to make sure that the Bersatu Youth machinery would be able to help them get assistance provided.
"So that was the context of what I told Bersatu Youth, as the bridge to connect me to the grassroots youths," he said in a press conference earlier today.
It is learned that the video was recorded when the senator was having a meeting with Bersatu Youth members in Pahang, ahead of the wing's election which was concluded last Saturday (Aug 15).
Wan Fayhsal won the Bersatu Youth chief spot, defeating contender Mohd Muzzammil Ismail (below).
The video showed Fayhsal saying that he could issue support letters in his capacity as a deputy minister, and even make a copy to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to help strengthen the document.
"God willing, I think that would not be a problem because I did not do anything that is against the law," he added today.
Wan Fayhsal also refuted that his recent party win had anything to do with the promise he made. Instead, he claimed that it was because of his campaign drive that reached every Bersatu Youth division.
Asked about his remarks being reported to the MACC, he said he would wait for the outcome of the investigation.
"I will wait for the investigation to run. And I am confident that I am not guilty," he added.
Meanwhile, on the new Bersatu Youth exco line up for the 2020-2022 term, he said they would be focused on strengthening the party and also help Bersatu in the Slim by-election in Perak and upcoming Sabah state polls.
The politician added that they were also aiming to increase the number of youth participation in the party, especially university students. - Mkini
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