State polls: Zahid urges MACC, EC, cops to monitor any cash handouts

SUNGAI PETANI: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Election Commission (EC) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have been urged to monitor “sedekah politik” (any cash handouts to voters) ahead of tomorrow’s polling day.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said based on the 15th General Election (GE15), it is not impossible that a coalition of political parties will use the same approach, especially in the final moments of the campaign period for the state polls.

“Cash handouts to voters is a corrupt practice and is prohibited according to the Election Commission Act.

“We hope these three agencies (MACC, EC, and police) can monitor so that it is not made at the last minute,” he said when met at the Youth Exploration program here today (Aug 11).

Ahmad Zahid said the leadership of the unity government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will use democratic measures in the six-state elections tomorrow (Aug 12).

Commenting on PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan’s announcement regarding the new proposed leadership in Kelantan, Ahmad Zahid said the best alternative for the people is to vote for Barisan Nasional tomorrow.

PAS had proposed a religious leader and a technocrat for the two top posts if the Islamist party successfully retained the state.

Currently, Datuk Ahmad Yakob is the caretaker Kelantan Mentri Besar while his deputy is Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah. – Bernama