KUALA KUBU BAHARU – Ministers and government officials are not abusing government assets by using its fleet to visit Kuala Kubu Baharu during the by-election season, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He also rubbished PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan’s claims that the government is engaging in “bribery” during the campaign period.
“It is not a misuse of government fleet. For instance, I had official duties before (coming here), not that I was in Kuala Kubu Baharu for the whole day,” he told reporters at PS Samy Driving School here today.
“I had a programme in Kuala Lumpur. After that, my driver brought me here (Kota Kubu Baharu). This is a norm. Any party that thinks this contravenes the law may lodge a report.”
At the same time, Loke said the unity government respects the campaigning process and abides by the law, dismissing any elements of bribery.
He commented that Takiyuddin’s statement that he would file a petition if Perikatan Nasional (PN) lost the poll was as if the latter knew the outcome.
“Maybe he (Takiyuddin) feels that he has already lost…for a contesting party to say they would file a petition even before polling day, it is weird,” he said.
“Does it mean that if (PN) wins, we are innocent? If we have truly done any wrongdoings, they should report now and not wait until after the poll.”
Previously, Takiyuddin said the opposition would file an election petition to challenge the by-election if Pakatan Harapan candidate Pang Sock Tao wins.
He claimed PN had evidence that the government machinery was being abused to induce voters to support Pang.
Meanwhile, asked about Bersatu information chief Datuk Razali Idris’ claims that a merger between MCA and Gerakan might be enough to challenge DAP, Loke said the parties are welcome to try.
“It is up to the respective parties, they can try. I have no issues (with it).
“What’s most important is that support comes from the voters. So if any party says they can get support, it is up to them,” he said. – May 9, 2024