Zahid: Don’t lie about open ballot boxes

Manivanan’s claim of vote tampering at Bagan Datuk a desperate ploy, says DPM

BAGAN DATUK: The Opposition’s claim that ballot boxes for early voting were opened is a desperate attempt to get sympathy votes, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Referring to PKR’s Hutan Melintang state seat candidate G. Manivanan, Dr Ahmad Zahid said he was disappointed by the former Kapar MP’s allegation that police and the Election Commission (EC) opened two of the four early-voting ballot boxes in Bagan Datuk.

“If Kapar voters and his own party rejected him and instead sent him to Hutan Melintang as an out- sider, don’t come here spreading lies,” said the Barisan Nasional deputy chairman, adding that Manivanan was using desperate tactics.

Manivanan claimed that he saw Dr Ahmad Zahid’s car in one of the police stations in the area and alleged that he had ordered the boxes to be opened on the day of early voting.

“I was not even in any police station on that day,” Dr Ahmad Zahid told a press conference after launching a Back to School programme on sustainable farming at SK Sungai Nipah here yesterday.

“Such matters have gone viral on social media. If you want to campaign, do so cleanly.”

He said Barisan candidates for the parliamentary and state seats in Bagan Datuk never attacked other parties or resorted to personal attacks.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is defending the Bagan Datuk parliamentary seat, said he was confident that the people would reject those who spread lies.

“As an outsider, Manivanan should respect the local culture and ethics,” he added.

Barely a day before polling, Dr Ahmad Zahid said there was an extraordinary wave of support for Barisan around the country.

“I saw the response during my visits to other states and I hope it translates into votes.

“The Prime Minister, on his rounds in Sabah, also saw the same response,” he said.

Social media users may claim a wave of support for the Opposition but the silent majority is still with the ruling coalition, he added.

“Pictures and videos of Opposition gatherings are mostly in urban areas.

“However, 70% of parliamentary and state seats are in rural areas.

“We know that the support of the people for Barisan has increased compared to the last two elections,” he said.