'If not guilty, go and face charges in court', Zahid tells Muhyiddin

TANJONG KARANG - Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today raised doubts about the slogan used by Perikatan Nasional (PN), namely "clean administration," after alleging that the coalition itself is tainted by corruption.

Citing the case of the Jana Ekonomi Pemerkasaan Kontraktor Bumiputera Berwibawa, or Jana Wibawa, programme that took place during the tenure of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the Umno president claimed that the case resembled "daylight robbery," with almost RM7.8 billion of government funds being misappropriated.

He also took the opportunity to comment on Muhyiddin's son-in-law, Datuk Seri Muhammad Adlan Berhan, urging him not to evade facing charges.

"Those who didn't steal are accused of stealing; those who build mosques, prayer halls, or orphanages are accused because they want to tarnish [their reputation].

"But Allah Almighty knows, and I will continue to defend myself. That's why we want to rectify this situation.

"Accusations, negative portrayals about us—everything about them [PN] is good.

"Yes, they're very skilled at accusing. If you're not guilty, why run? Face the accusations; face the court.

"I've faced 87 charges, and 40 have been confirmed not guilty because the court has decided.

"What's there to fear? Be courageous because you're right. That's how it is.

"I'm not furious, but I want to tell you not to be influenced by them [PN]," he reiterated.

He made these statements while addressing the national-level launch of the "Beyond Benih" programme in Kampung Sungai Gulang-Gulang, Tanjong Karang.

This programme is a community garden initiative by British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Berhad (BAT Malaysia).

During the event, he urged the people of Tanjong Karang to vote for the Barisan Nasional candidate for the Sungai Burong State Assembly seat, Mohamad Khir Ramli, and the Pakatan Harapan candidate, Mohd Yahaya Mat Sahri, to ensure the continuity of the Madani Government in Selangor.

"In this context, we must not have a narrow mindset.

"It's not just about Kampung Gulang Gulang, not just about Tanjong Karang, not just about the state of Selangor.

"Permatang must be won, and Sungai Burung must be won, to ensure a more stable government in Selangor.

"It's a good combination for Pak Ya and Ustaz Khir.Pak Ya was chosen by Datuk Seri Anwar; I chose Ustaz Khir.

"In the past, [they both] were allergic to each other. That was in the past, but now I have prepared a poem for the two of them. In the past, they were foes; now they have become friends.

"Why should we fight? We are a Unity Government," he added. - Awani