Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi tonight announced that the two Sekinchan fishermen incarcerated in Indonesia since March will be released tomorrow.

He said Indonesian President Jokowi has signed the pardons for both men.

"Chua Lee Teck and Heng Chee Yong will be released tomorrow.

"I have asked (Sungai Besar Umno chief) Jamal (Md Yunos) to go out to sea to bring them back to Sekinchan.

"My word is true, it is janji potong ayam (chicken sacrifice oath)," he said, repeating his referral to the ancient Chinese practice of sealing solemn oaths by slaughtering chicken.

His words were received with cheers and applause from the 100 or so Chinese fishermen who were in attendance.

He also urged them to vote for BN candidate Budiman Mohd Zohdi come polling day this Jun 18.

"Who am I doing this for? All this is for the people of Sungai Besar... I don't want to say more lest I make a mistake.

"Just vote for Ah Man (Budiman) okay?

"On the 18th I want to see the votes for Ah Man, okay?" he asked, answered with cries of "okay!" from the assembled audience.

Zahid them repeated his question: "Can you help?"

And the Chinese fishermen answered: "We can!"

Indonesia maritime officials arrested the two Sekinchan fishermen after they were accused of encroaching into Indonesia waters.

They were sentenced by Indonesian authorities and jailed since their detention in March.