PN Youth reports BN for alleged misuse of govt machinery

MAHKOTA BY-ELECTION | A Perikatan Nasional Youth member lodged a police report against BN today over the alleged misuse of government machinery on the campaign trail.

PN Youth by-election machinery coordinator Shazni Sulaiman claimed that millions of taxpayers’ money had gone into the “Jelajah Orang Mahkota” programme, at which BN candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah was present.

“The ‘Jelajah Orang Mahkota’ programme violates the Election Offences Act 1954.

“The series of by-elections under the Madani government have been the dirtiest in the country’s history.

“In the Mahkota by-election, the Madani regime has once more followed the same modus operandi: harnessing the government machinery to campaign and bribe voters with programmes that offer lucrative prizes,” Shazni told reporters outside the Kluang district police headquarters.

The prizes at the event included a motorcycle and electrical appliances, he said.

He further claimed that civil servants had been forced to attend the event, not only as officials but also as eventgoers.

Celebrities were also at the event as part of the BN campaign, Shazni alleged.

According to posters of the event, the programme took place yesterday and today with celebrities such as Bunkface making an appearance.

The lucky draw prizes included a Yamaha Y16 motorcycle, a 40-inch smart television, a washing machine, a refrigerator and a helmet.

Abuse of power

Bersatu information committee member Badrul Hisham Shaharin, who was also present, accused Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi of abuse of power.

The event was a part of BN’s campaign despite Onn’s firm denial, he said.

Badrul, also known as Chegubard, said a complaint will be lodged with the Election Commission (EC).

“After recording our statements, we will refer to our legal adviser to examine whether a special report should be lodged with the MACC or the EC.

“But a candidate’s representative working with the EC will be aided in lodging a complaint with the EC, that’s for sure,” Badrul said.

He also called on Bersih to issue a statement regarding the matter.

PN candidate Mohamad Haizan Jaafar and Kluang Umno Youth chief Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah will battle it out on Sept 28 for the Mahkota seat, which fell vacant following the death of incumbent assemblyperson Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2.

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