'RM500 offer for each vote' claim is to discredit me - Tiong King Sing
SARAWAK POLLS | Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Tiong King Sing said allegations he was offering RM500 a vote in the Sarawak polls, and other gifts, were intended to discredit him.
Tiong, who is contesting in the Dudong state seat, denied offering cash or gifts in exchange for support.
"There have been rumours that Tiong King Sing has a treasure...
SARAWAK POLLS | Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Tiong King Sing said allegations he was offering RM500 a vote in the Sarawak polls, and other gifts, were intended to discredit him.
Tiong, who is contesting in the Dudong state seat, denied offering cash or gifts in exchange for support.
"There have been rumours that Tiong King Sing has a treasure trove of wealth allowing me to buy votes at RM500 per vote and even RM1,000 for a single door at longhouses.
"Some people have even said I would throw in a ‘free gift’. These rumours are now making the rounds on social media.
"Unfortunately, these rumours have also caused an uproar among the longhouse communities. Therefore, I wish to stress that I categorically deny these rumours as malicious claims to discredit me for this election," he said in a statement.
Tiong, who is also the Bintulu MP, maintained that he never bought votes during his five terms as an MP.
"Voters must choose me to support their constituency based on my track record of pragmatic service and sincerity to bring real change to the people.
"There is no need for me to repeat my achievements in Bintulu as I believe the people know it. Their votes would be proof enough of my track record," he said.
In the 2016 state election, Sarawak BN won the Dudong state seat with 9,700 votes. DAP came in second with 7,554 votes. Two independent candidates and Star garnered a total of 3,668 votes.
PDP is one of four component parties in the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition. The other three are PBB, PRS, and SUPP.
They were formerly part of BN but broke away to form their own coalition after the 2018 general election.
Tiong warned that he will lodge a police report if the "malicious" rumours against him did not stop.
Instead, he claimed other political parties are the ones buying votes.
"I have also heard that other political parties intend to buy votes. Voters must think carefully before accepting these easy temptations about the type of politicians they want.
"Do they want someone who thinks that money politics would solve anything? Do these politicians really care about bringing development to the place or are they just in it for personal gain and fame?" he asked.
Sarawakians will go to the polls on Dec 18.
Sarawak state elections 2021 - What you need to know
Election pledges so far:
GPS promises continuity, independence from other political forces
Sarawak polls: PSB pledges freehold land, secularism, reforestation
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