KLUANG: No criminal elements were found in a case report involving Barisan Nasional's Mahkota by-election candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president and Barisan chairman said he has reviewed the case report involving Syed Hussien and found no criminal record or charges against him.
"This incident happened when he was in his 20s, where he defended a blind person from being harassed and assaulted by a group of people," said Ahmad Zahid.
"I checked and there is no criminal record against Syed Hussien, nor was he brought to court for the alleged offence," he added.
Ahmad Zahid made these remarks at a press conference during an event with the Orang Asli community at Kampung Orang Asli Tanah Runtuh on Thursday (Sept 26).
The Deputy Prime Minister added that the personal attack by the Opposition shows they are running out of ideas in the Mahkota by-election campaign.
"They are trying to make voters in Mahkota lose confidence in our candidate. Maybe because their own candidate is not getting support from the voters here," he said.
Bersatu member Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, claimed that Syed Hussien had previously been arrested for hitting someone.
Badrul alleged he obtained police reports showing Syed Hussien was involved in fights that resulted in injuries.
"Is the Barisan candidate the one involved in the cases? I would like to ask the Kluang police about the status of the case without manipulation.
"Was he released because he is from the governing party or because he is a rich man's son?" Badrul said in a statement on Thursday (Sept 26).
Badrul, also a Bersatu information committee member, added that voters should be informed about how a person with a criminal record is not eligible to become an elected representative.
Syed Hussien is in a straight fight with Perikatan's Mohamad Haizan Jaafar for the Mahkota state seat, with polling set for this Saturday (Sept 28).
At press time, Kluang OCPD Asst Comm Bahrin Mohd Noh said an official statement would be issued soon regarding the matter.
Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros described the opposition's claims as a "desperate move."
He said Barisan headquarters had conducted a thorough vetting process and background check before nominating Syed Hussien as a candidate.
"The vetting is tight and across multiple agencies. If any red flag was found, he or she would not get nominated," he told The Star.
He noted that Syed Hussein was not the only candidate suggested for the seat.
"We have a pool of people to choose from and if he was not eligible, we had other names to choose from.
"I assure Mahkota voters that they can continue to support the Barisan candidate without worrying about his abilities and capabilities to serve as an effective assemblyman," said Noor Azleen.
