IPOH: The Perak Mentri Besar has weighed in on the controversy over cash handouts to voters, saying that the term “sedekah” (charity) has been misused, especially during the election period.
Acts of charity must be carried out at all times, not just during the election period, said Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
If someone is “suddenly” committed to charitable acts during an election, then “sedekah” has definitely been misused, he said.In principle, during elections, it is clearly stated that it is wrong for the parties involved to give out any form of handout as it would constitute a form of inducement for voters, he said.
He was asked whether Perak Umno had lodged any reports with the Election Commission (EC) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on vote buying during the 15th General Election.
Terengganu Umno had filed petitions objecting to the outcome of the elections in Kuala Terengganu, Marang and Kemaman constituencies. It had accused PAS of buying votes there. Subsequently, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang was quoted as saying that those seen on video handing cash to voters were merely doing charity.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Saarani said: “If someone indeed wants to help, no matter from which political party, he should do it at all times, and not only when nearing elections.”
For instance, he said there were many university students who were in need of financial help.
“Such students must be helped, but not only when an election is around the corner,” he said.
Saarani also said that Umno would not deploy “spies” with cameras to snap photos of vote-buying opponents.
“However, I dare not also say that such a thing (vote buying) does not exist.”
Sometimes the vote-buying process is not done directly but via a third party, he added.
He said that those who had evidence of these misdeeds should lodge reports with the EC.
