Anwar: I did not breach election laws

PORT DICKSON: PKR presidentelect Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended his move to announce several programmes for the people of Port Dickson.

He said his action did not breach election laws.

The PKR candidate for the byelection said similar actions had been taken by other candidates.

“There are those who had lodged a report against me.

“Don’t tell me that I am buying votes just because I said I would provide free tuition, (while) one candidate had promised he would clean up the beach if he won.

“It is the same thing with me, but whenever I do it I get admonished.

“If people asked me what I would do once I become a member of parliament, I cannot just say that I would recite a ‘doa’. If I win, I must do something.

“They asked me again, what am I going to do (once I am elected), I cannot reply by saying that I cannot say anything.”

Anwar said this during his campaign rounds at Bandar Sunggala on Tuesday.

On Monday, Port Dickson independent candidate Stevie Chan Keng Leong lodged a report against Anwar, alleging that the latter had breached the Election Offences Act 1954 during his campaign rounds.

Chan said Anwar’s promise to implement major projects, as well as tourism projects, launch a free tuition programme and pledging to introduce flight training in the constituency if he won the byelection, was against the rules of promoting a clean and transparent campaign.

Anwar said his involvement in politics gave him a better understanding and respect of the law.

“Previously, (during the BN administration) a minister would come and announce projects worth RM100,000.

“Whether they are implemented or not, he does not care.

“We (PH) do not do that, as I respect the Election Commission.

“I respect the view put forward by Bersih to ensure the by-election is done in a clean manner,” he said.