JOHOR POLLS | It was a subtle campaign for BN at a programme handing out food baskets funded by a state-owned foundation.
The distribution of food baskets by Yayasan Pasir Gudang yesterday, an entity under Pasir Gudang City Council, took place at the hall of a flat in Bandari Seri Alam in Masai, Johor.
Above the hall was a sign that stated it was the MIC operations centre.
As the distribution of the food baskets that comprised a 5kg packet of white rice, cooking oil and canned food to some 50 recipients was ending, MCA's Johor Jaya candidate Chan San San emerged.
Mindful of the possible criticism, Chan immediately put on a black jacket, covering up the BN logo on her blue T-shirt, before entering the hall (photo, above).
The emcee of the event then proceeded to urge the recipients to "support our candidate" without mentioning her party affiliation.
"This is a candidate who is not arrogant but she cannot speak or campaign at this event.
"I can't say (her party's name), but everyone must support our candidate," declared the emcee.
Chan then nodded and waved at the people in the hall.
Asked about the incident later, Chan said she was only there to "show face" and say hello to the local residents.
"According to election regulations, I cannot distribute aid to voters (during the campaign)," she said, adding that the food baskets were not sponsored by her or BN.
She also stressed that she only turned up after the aid had been distributed.
Giving treats to voters is prohibited under Section 8 of the Election Offences Act 1954 which carries a jail term of up to two years or a fine of between RM1,000 to RM5,000.
Local resident R Sarada, 54, said she received a phone call on Monday to turn up at the hall to receive the food aid.
"I didn't know that there would be an election candidate here to say hello but after she came, I got to know her better," Sarada said.
The Yayasan Pasir Gudang chairperson is Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin.
Chan, who is contesting under the BN banner, is facing PN's Loh Kah Yong, Pakatan Harapan's Liow Cai Tung and Warisan's Chen Hain Kai in Johor Jaya.
The incumbent is Liow, who is from DAP. The mixed seat comprises 47 percent Chinese, 43 percent Malays and seven percent Indians. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.