Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and (right) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
PETALING JAYA: The allegation of "extraordinary police presence" at Perikatan Nasional campaign activities is a mere political tactic with an aim to create confusion, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister was responding to a statement made by PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who claimed there was an "extraordinary attendance" of authorities monitoring the coalition’s campaigns in Pelangai.
Perikatan has filled Kasim Samat for the state seat in the by-election.
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"The police are very professional. They will always try to accommodate any political party and candidate in their campaigns.
"Do not question the professionalism of our law enforcement agencies, especially the police," Ahmad Zahid told a press conference at Felda Chemomoi in Bentong, Pahang today (Sept 30), which was also shared by news portal MalaysiaGazette.com.
On Friday (Sept 29), Takiyuddin claimed that the "extraordinary police presence" at Perikatan campaigns in Pelangai has created a feeling of "unrest" among the locals.
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The PAS leader also claimed that the police’s presence to monitor Kasim’s walkabouts and house-to-house visits had created reservations among the locals to engage with the candidate.
The Pelangai by-election is set to see a three-cornered fight among Kasim, Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Amizar Abu Adam and Independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli.
Polling day is set on Oct 7 and early voting on Oct 3.
The by-election was conducted following the death of Umno assemblyman Datuk Seri Johari Harun, who perished in the Elmina plane crash on Aug 17.
In the 15th General Election, Johari won with a majority of 4,048 votes, defeating Kasim, Pakatan Harapan’s Ahmed Wafiuddin Shamsuri and Isa Ahmad of Pejuang.
