Mahkota polls: Police receive two reports alleging misuse of government resources

KLUANG: The Johor police have received two reports during the Mahkota by-election campaign period so far, says Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar.

The reports, lodged separately by two individuals since Nomination Day on Sept 14, have prompted an investigation into alleged misuse of government resources to influence voters.

“One investigation paper has been opened to probe allegations that government resources were used to woo voters during the by-election, following claims that have gone viral. We are investigating the matter,” Comm Kumar said during a visit to the Kluang district headquarters on Tuesday (Sept 24) to observe the early voting process.

The investigation is being conducted under Section 4(A) of the Election Offences Act 1954 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. However, no investigation paper was opened for the second report, as no offence was identified.

Comm Kumar also reported that 96 applications for campaign activities have been approved throughout the campaigning period. These included 27 applications for ceramah (political talks), 42 for broadcasting sessions, and 27 for walkabouts.

On Sunday (Sept 21), Bersatu information committee member Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegubard, lodged a police report accusing Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi of abusing his power by using government resources and civil servants for campaign purposes.

Chegubard claimed that prizes worth thousands of ringgit offered during a programme could be considered election goodies. However, Onn Hafiz has denied these allegations, stating that the event was not political.

“This is a programme for the people. Anyone, whether from Perikatan, Barisan, or Pakatan Harapan, is welcome to attend,” Onn Hafiz said.