Cameron Highlands polls: No to money politics, says Syed Saddiq

KUALA LUMPUR: Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has urged all parties, including Pakatan Harapan, to adhere to the regulations set by the Election Commission (EC) during campaigning for the Cameron Highlands by-election.

Few pictures of Pakatan members allegedly distributing money to people have been circulating on Twitter, and the Youth and Sports Minister retweeted one of the tweets, stating: "Report immediately to the EC and let them investigate. No to money politics!"

In an event at the Malaysia Paralympic Sports Excellence Centre (MPSEC) here on Sunday (Jan 13), he said it was essential to follow the pledges set by electoral watchdogs for the Cameron Highlands by-election.

Bersih 2.0, Engage, and Tindak Malaysia have urged candidates to sign a pledge to run their election campaigns in a clean and fair manner.

"It is essential to follow the guidelines set by the watchdogs. I will be going to Cameron Highlands tomorrow on a personal capacity.

"If the Election Commission warns us of any wrongdoing, we will adhere to it. We respect and fear the new chairman," said Syed Saddiq who is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Youth chief.

The minister also said that politics of coercion should end after Senator Bob Manolan Mohamad was quoted warning the village chiefs (Tok Batin) that they could lose their salaries and posts if they do not support Pakatan.

"I agree with Datuk Seri Anwar's (Ibrahim) statement saying that there is no coercion in a democracy. No matter what happens, they (village chiefs) will get their payments.

"One's allegiance should not define one's workmanship," he said.