Umno man rubbishes Hadi’s defence of cash handouts

 

Umno information chief Isham Jalil says the PAS president should not come up with reasons to justify bribery.

PETALING JAYA: An Umno leader has rubbished PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s defence of cash handouts in three constituencies in Terengganu several days before the 15th general election.

Isham Jalil said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission as well as the Election Offences Act had spelt out what constituted a bribe.

“Do not come up with reasons to justify bribing voters,” the Umno information chief said in a statement.

Earlier today, Hadi said those caught on video handing cash to voters were merely doing charity.

The Marang MP said election laws stipulated that only candidates and their agents were barred from giving cash handouts.

Hadi said this in response to petitions filed by Terengganu Umno to nullify the results of GE15 for the Kuala Terengganu, Marang and Kemaman constituencies. He described the Umno action as part of the latter’s “psychological warfare”.

Isham however said he was afraid politicians would in future cite the same reason when bribing voters.

“Where is our country headed to when political parties and politicians can easily bribe voters in the name of charity?” - FMT