Pulai by-election: Cops welcome to probe my speech at PPR, says Zahid

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stated that he welcomes the police to investigate his speech at the Melana Indah people’s housing project (PPR) in Pulai. The Deputy Prime Minister remained unaffected by the police report lodged against him by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) alleging an attempt to influence voters. He emphasized that he is not a candidate and has the right to campaign for the candidate he supports. Ahmad Zahid hopes that the police will investigate if he has committed any offenses under the Election Commission Act, as he believes he has not done anything wrong. As the Minister responsible for rural and regional development, he believes he has the ability and responsibility to benefit the people in the area. He made these statements during a press conference at the Batu Pahat Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) on September 8.

When asked to comment on the police report made by Bersih’s chairman Thomas Fann, Ahmad Zahid said those who promise “syurga” or heaven to voters who support their candidates should be the ones investigated. He pointed out that they are saying those who support the candidate they do not like will go to hell, which is considered “haram” or forbidden. On September 7, Fann alleged that Ahmad Zahid’s speech violates Section 9 for undue influence and Section 10 for bribery under the Election Offences Act 1954. Fann claimed that the Deputy Prime Minister’s speech aimed to influence Pulai voters by stating that the upgrading project for PPR Melana Indah would be reviewed and approved on condition that Pakatan’s candidate wins the upcoming by-election on September 9. Fann filed the police report at the Johor Baru South police headquarters.