Bersatu MP denies G-Shock giveaway at Kelantan PN launch

Tanah Merah MP Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz has denied allegations that some 30,000 guests at the Kelantan Perikatan Nasional launch held in his constituency on Saturday were lured by free gifts comprising Casio G-Shock watches and umbrellas.

Ikmal (above), who is also deputy defence minister, dismissed the claims as reported by an online portal yesterday as "illogical".

"I regret the claim that guests were given G-Shock watches, which I think is illogical because it would have involved a large cost amounting to millions of ringgit if distributed as souvenirs for more than 30,000 visitors at the Kelantan PN launch event.

"I challenge those who made the claim to provide evidence on any individual who received either a watch or an umbrella at the event," he said in a statement.

An online portal yesterday reported it was uncertain if the audience was made up of genuine PN supporters or people who had come for the free umbrellas and watches allegedly handed out by Ikmal at the event, which also offered a lucky draw with a car as a first prize.

Lucky draw prizes customary

In denying the claims, the Bersatu lawmaker said he had since a week prior to the event publicly announced PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin's expected attendance to launch the coalition's Kelantan chapter.

On the event day, Ikmal said he made a final announcement to attendees of a Parents and Teachers Association cluster meeting held at the same location, saying they are welcome to leave or join the launch.

"The people did not leave, and in fact, many more came.

"Their presence was voluntary and there is no giveaway of G-Shock watches or umbrellas as alleged," he said.

Ikmal added that while lucky draw prizes are customary to liven up any event, the people will still refuse to participate or attend if they do not like the host.

"Therefore I challenge any party to host any event in Tanah Merah by offering a grander lucky draw prize, to prove whether they are capable of attracting more than 30,000 people or otherwise," he added.

The Kelantan PN launch saw Muhyiddin in attendance along with top Bersatu and PAS leaders, including ministers and deputy ministers. - Mkini