PD POLLS | PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim has denied any involvement of government machinery in a zakat aid distribution event earlier today.

Anwar, who is on the campaign trail for the upcoming Port Dickson parliamentary by-election, claimed the event, a Maal Hijrah Special Programme at the Masjid Jamek Permatang Pasir this morning, had been organised by a youth organisation.

However, he did not specify which organisation he was referring to.

During the event, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Amiruddin Harun distributed the welfare aid, which was sealed in a white envelope, to some 50 recipients.

A letter by the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council (Mains), however, had stated that it was mandatory for the zakat aid recipients (asnaf) to attend the programme.

Anwar had been slated to speak on Islamic affairs (tazkirah) at the same mosque later in the afternoon.

When questioned on the matter by Malaysiakini later in the day, he insisted that the event was organised by an NGO and hence, did not constitute use of any government machinery.

"The event is done by youth organisation and not state government," he said briefly, before referring the matter to Amiruddin, who seconded the claim.

Amiruddin explained that Mains had sent out the letter merely to identify details of the asnaf.

"We don't have the list. Mains was helping to call people, otherwise, we don't know who are the poor.

"What is the problem with helping the poor?"

When asked why such an event coincided with Anwar's, he replied that no Mains officers were present.

Attendance 'compulsory'

According to a letter sighted by Malaysiakini earlier this morning, Mains had requested the recipients to attend the programme at 11.30am.

The letter stated that the event was being organised by the office of the menteri besar, and that it was "compulsory" for those who received the letter to attend.

Two recipients of the letter told Malaysiakini that they had received the letter yesterday.

At the event, several people seen sporting Pakatan Harapan t-shirts were facilitating the registration of the asnaf.

A large banner also indicated that free medical check-ups were being provided by the International University College in Kuala Lumpur, which is fully-owned by Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP).

The distribution of the zakat monetary aid took place after Anwar's speech.

It was observed that while the aid was being handed out by Amiruddin, Anwar was seated some two meters away engaging in conversation with voters, and did not participate in the ceremony.

The Port Dickson by-election was triggered after incumbent MP Danyal Balagopal Abdullah vacated the seat to facilitate Anwar's return to Parliament following his pardon from sodomy conviction.