Graft busters identifying 90 who allegedly received cash handouts in T'ganu during GE15

KUALA LUMPUR: Graft busters are in the midst of identifying 90 individuals who allegedly received cash handouts in Terengganu during the 15th General Election (GE15).

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that the commission was investigating the claim.

"I can confirm that MACC is in the midst of identifying the individuals.

"They were said to have received the cash handouts to vote for a political party during the elections," he said when contacted on Thursday (Feb 2).

According to a news portal, the investigation was started following a viral video released during the election campaign in November.

The video showed people waiting in front of a building entrance allegedly collecting payment for votes.

It is learnt that MACC investigators have zeroed-in on some of the individuals while most of those involved were outstation voters.

MACC have also summoned the individual who was seen in the video handing out cash.

Investigators are in the midst of collecting evidence including relevant documents as well as recording the statements of those involved.

On Jan 3, Terengganu Umno filed a petition to annul the results of the Kuala Terengganu, Marang and Kemaman parliamentary contests during GE15. The seats were won by PAS candidates.

The petition was filed at the Kuala Terengganu High Court on Jan 3, in accordance with the Election Offences Act 1954.

On Jan 20, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said the giving of cash during the election campaign did not violate any rules because it was considered merely an act of charity.

On Jan 22, Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin claimed that the coalition has strong evidence to deny allegations that it bribed voters in GE15.