DAP reps deny being voices in leaked audio over durian farmers’ issue

Two Pahang DAP lawmakers have denied being the voices heard in a purported phone conversation that accused Raub MP Chow Yu Hui of being involved in alleged corruption linked to Musang King durian farmers.

When contacted, Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman and Tras assemblyperson Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji denied the purported audio recording, which was shared on Facebook by Raub Bersatu chief Mohd Fakrunizam DN earlier today.

"This is clearly a slander and I deny being the voice in the audio recording.

"I’m certain this is a dirty political attack done by those who aim to pit us in DAP against each other, as well as tarnish my reputation," the DAP central executive member told Malaysiakini.

Echoing Syefura’s (above, right) sentiments, Zulpuri also alleged attempts at sowing a rift within DAP.

"That's slander. There are those targeting us (DAP). That is not my voice," he stressed.

Both Syefura and Zulpuri said they would lodge a police report on the matter.

Separately, Chow said he was alerted of the Facebook post and immediately contacted the duo.

"The voices in the video are in no way similar to Syefura and Zulpuri.

"I have verified with them, and they also confirmed that someone had deliberately fabricated the recording," he said.

Chow added: "I deny all the allegations made against me in the recording.

"This is absolutely false information, a defamation against me and the farmers, and a malicious attempt by certain individuals to stir up conflict through dirty tactics," he stressed.

High Court rejects farmers’ bid

The audio, which runs for two minutes and seven seconds, purportedly features Syefura’s call to Zulpuri discussing alleged concerns over Chow's purported dealings with Musang King farmers in a legal tussle with the state government.

In April, the Kuantan High Court rejected a bid by 204 Raub durian farmers to seek judicial review against the Pahang state government’s attempt to evict them.

The court, in its judgment, stated it was the farmers who had trespassed, and as trespassers, they did not have the locus standi (legal standing) to apply for a judicial review.

Since then, the Save Musang King Alliance (Samka) has continued to raise attention to difficulties faced by Raub durian farmers and demand that authorities lease land to farmers for planting and selling durians.

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