'I campaign for the candidate I like', says Zahid

BATU PAHAT - "I'm not a candidate. I'm campaigning for a candidate I like."

This was the response of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, commenting on the police report filed by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) on Thursday, alleging that his remarks during a visit to the People's Housing Project (PPR), Melana Indah Phase 1, last Sunday were laced with 'bribery' elements.

He said that as the minister responsible for rural and regional affairs, he has the ability and responsibility to provide something good for all residents in the respective areas, especially in the Bakri and Simpang Jeram areas.

Furthermore, he stated that he also hopes that the police will investigate if he has committed an offence under the Election Commission (EC) Act.

"I feel that I have done nothing wrong, and I hope to be investigated by the police if there is any wrongdoing.

"Of course, just like those who promise heaven and... take on the work of Allah SWT or threaten us to vote for a candidate they dislike will lead them to hell, it is considered forbidden (haram). That should be investigated first, not me," he said at a press conference after officiating the Women Entrepreneurs Carnival at the Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) near here on Friday.

On Thursday, Bersih Chairman, Thomas Fan made a police report against Zahid, who claimed that his speech was mixed with bribes to voters for the Pulai parliamentary constituency by trying to influence them when saying that the PPR improvement project will be scrutinised and approved on the condition that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate must win the by-election in Pulai.

He added that if the PH candidate does not win this by-election, the application from the State Housing and Local Government Exco, Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, regarding the improvements will be 'looked at' (thoroughly) again.

On polls in Pulai Parliament and the Simpang Jeram State Assembly on Saturday, Zahid said that the voters in Johor had matured and rejected the party's campaign that plays with race, religion, and royalty (3R) issues.

He said that all parties had campaigned well to help the unity government candidate regain the mandate in both areas.

"The date of Sept 9 is important... Everyone has campaigned well to be given the mandate again.

"We hope that at the last moment, no one will be consumed by persuasion if there is an offer given to them and then ensure victory for the candidate of the unity government," he said.