DPM hits out at Hadi's alleged remarks on cash hand out

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has hit out at PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang for his alleged remarks on handouts to voters were a "charitable act".

"If he does it, it is a charitable act, but if others do it, it is corruption," said Zahid, who is also the Umno president when met by reporters at the MCA Chinese New Year 2023 reception on Sunday (Jan 22).

Ahmad Zahid was asked to comment on the remarks made by the PAS president.

"Religious leaders (ulama') cannot keep changing the rules.

"In the end political ulama' will not be respected by the Muslims community in general.

"As a religious leader you need to have integrity, you cannot keep changing your tune," said Ahmad Zahid.

Several online media had reported Abdul Hadi as saying that those caught on video handing cash to voters were merely doing charity.

The PAS president had said there was nothing wrong with such an act and no electoral laws had been broken.

According to reports, Terengganu Umno filed petitions over the Marang, Kemaman and Kuala Terengganu results on Jan 3, alleging money politics by Perikatan Nasional in the national polls.

The Marang seat is held by Abdul Hadi. PAS candidates Che Alias Hamid and Amzad Hashim won the Kemaman and Kuala Terengganu seats respectively.