State polls: Lukut candidate alleges suspicious campaigning activities by opponent

LUKUT: Incumbent Lukut assemblyman, Choo Ken Hwa, 46, has alleged suspicious campaigning activities by his opponent near a polling centre in Negri Sembilan.

The DAP candidate claimed that campaign vehicles featuring the Perikatan Nasional emblem were spotted near the polling centre on Saturday (Aug 12) morning.

Calling the incident a clear violation of election rules, Choo said he had filed a complaint with the returning officer (RO), citing the prohibition of campaign materials, party logo, and promotional paraphernalia on voting day.

Speaking to the media after casting his vote at SJKC Chung Hua Lukut, he expressed his suspicions regarding potential illicit campaigning.

Election Commission officials assured that the matter would be communicated to the opposing party after Choo provided photographic evidence of a fleet of vehicles adorned with the likeness of Perikatan candidate Ragu Subramaniam, 50, located in close proximity to various polling centres. A number of these vehicles were also seen displaying party flags.

In response to the allegations, the Perikatan candidate's representative, Azahari Ismail, provided clarification to The Star.

He said that the vehicles did not breach the boundaries of the polling centre. Instead, they were transporting party members to vote nearby while keeping a respectable distance from the actual voting area.

Azahari added that the vehicle used by the candidate upon arrival at the polling centre bore no campaign materials whatsoever.

He maintained that all campaign activities had ceased the previous night in strict adherence to regulations.

Ragu, a PAS Non-Muslim Supporters Wing (DHPP) member, is contesting under the Perikatan banner for the Lukut seat.