‘Jom Jelajah Orang Mahkota' programme did not breach election rules, says Johor MB
"This is not a political event, it’s a programme for the people."
KLUANG - Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has dismissed accusations that the 'Jom Jelajah Orang Mahkota' programme was a strategy by Barisan Nasional (BN) to attract voters in the Mahkota by-election.
Onn Hafiz, who also serves as BN's Mahkota by-election director, claimed that Perikatan Nasional (PN) was playing up the issue because they ran out of other talking points.
"Yes, I’ve seen the reports (news), but I was informed that even Perikatan's candidate attended the event. This is not a political event, it’s a programme for the people and anyone from PN, Barisan or Pakatan Harapan is welcome to participate.
"Perhaps PN has run out of ideas and is using this as political rhetoric," he said.
Onn Hafiz said this during a press conference following the officiating and groundbreaking ceremony for the Taman Kluang Perdana (Phase 3A) affordable housing project, yesterday.
On Saturday, Kluang PN Youth lodged a police report at the district police headquarters, accusing BN of bribing voters by offering prizes, including motorcycles, at the Jom Jelajah Orang Mahkota programme, which allegedly violated the Election Offences Act 1954.
The event, held between Sept 20 (Friday) and Sept 21 (Saturday), featured performances by local artists and various activities involving state executive councillors.
Bersatu information committee member Badrul Hisham Shaharin accused the Menteri Besar of misusing government machinery and civil servants for BN's election campaign.
"Millions of public funds have been wasted on BN’s campaign, disguised as the 'Jelajah Orang Mahkota' programme. Eighteen activities were held over two days, funded by public money through various government agencies, including local authorities, the state government, and the Federal Government," he said.
He said this when met by reporters at the Kluang police headquarters after accompanying Kluang Perikatan youth 'gerak-gempur' head Sazni Sulaiman to file the police report.
The Sep 28 by-election sees a straight fight between BN's Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah and PN's Haizan Jaafar. Early voting is set for Sept 24.
The election was triggered by the death of former assemblyman Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2.
