PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar has urged the Election Commission to reprimand Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for implying that he would check the ballot boxes in Sungai Besar.

"Never heard about it in my life," the PKR Sungai Besar election director said.

"I think Zahid should be given a warning by the EC because they claim that they do not side anyone.

"You cannot threaten voters and you are trying to say that BN ministers have access to the actual persons that cast their votes and to whom votes are being cast," she told a press conference at Amanah's press operation centre here.

She was referring to Zahid's speech yesterday where he made a votes-for-assistance deal with about 300 fishermen, and said he would check the ballot boxes to ensure the fishermen kept their end of the bargain.

He said he was making a 'chicken sacrifice' pledge (janji potong ayam), which refers to the ritual of slaughtering a chicken to seal a deal.

"Don't just say in front me but you don't vote. I promise. Janji potong ayam," said Zahid to a cheering crowd comprising largely of Chinese fishermen from around Sekinchan.

"If the fishermen here vote for Budiman, I check the ballot boxes, for sure I will come back here again...," he said yesterday.

Nurul Izzah also described Zahid's remarks as a form of threat to the fishermen.

"They (fishermen) will have to vote the status quo (for BN) because of fear.

"We urge the EC to give a guarantee so that voters feel safe in both by elections," said the Lembah Pantai MP.

Amanah strategic director Dzulkefly Ahmad added the EC must address the issue of voters casting their ballots allegedly under duress.

He also criticised the EC for allegedly failing to fulfil its promise of ensuring fair access to media for all contesting parties, especially state-owned media.

Related stories

Mahathir admitting he is corrupt dictator by working with Amanah

Don't vote Umno for disrespecting royals on NSC Bill, says PKR MP

Come June 18, what message would voters send to Najib?

Zahid on his alleged RM230m: Shut up Dr M, or be called senile

Najib's princely snub, more 'Cina babi', chicken sacrifice and 'dedak'

Sg Besar deep sea fishermen caught in 'waves' of uncertainty