JOHOR BY-ELECTIONS | Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has defended his speech on Sept 3 while on the campaign trail for Pakatan Harapan’s Pulai candidate Suhaizan Kaiat.
The rural development and federal territories minister claimed he did nothing wrong, as alleged by Bersih election observers in a police report lodged yesterday.
"I’m not the candidate. I can campaign for the candidate I prefer and hope the police will investigate if I committed any offences.
"But I don't think there was anything wrong in what I did or said.
"Because as minister in charge of rural development and the federal territories, I have the capability and responsibility to offer something better for residents in the area," he said in Batu Pahat.
Yesterday, Bersih chairperson Thomas Fann said the alleged offence was observed based on a video recording of Zahid's speech on Sept 3 at the Melana Indah People's Housing Project in Perling, one of two state seats under the Pulai parliamentary constituency.
"He (Zahid) basically said to voters that he has been handed a stack of requests from (Johor housing exco) Jafni (Md Shukor) to build some houses and projects in the area.
"Then he said it’s not a problem at all for him to approve all these things, but it will depend on how the voters in that area vote for the (Harapan) candidate, Suhaizan," Fann was reported as saying.
‘Investigate them, not me’
Following the report, Fann implored the authorities to summon Zahid for questioning over possible breaches of the Election Offences Act 1954 under Section 9 and Section 10, on undue influence and bribery.
Commenting further, Zahid also took a swipe at Harapan and BN's opponents who have allegedly played up religious sentiments to influence voters.
"Just like how they offered 'heaven'...they take over Allah's 'job' or they threaten those who do not vote for their candidates will go to hell.
"They are the ones who should be investigated first, not me," Zahid said.
On the final day before polling tomorrow, Zahid once again made several appearances in Johor - first in Batu Pahat, and later in Perling.
During his speech, Zahid said his appearance to launch the “Madani Siaga” programme was in his capacity as national disaster management committee chairperson. - Mkini
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