Hamzah says Perikatan has evidence to refute bribery allegations

(Bernama) – PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) has strong evidence to refute allegations that the coalition had bribed voters in the last general election, according to secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin.

He said the coalition was prepared to prove the election petition filed by Terengganu Umno is untrue.

“Of course, when they challenge us by making a petition, we will make sure that we have the evidence to prove them wrong. The point is the petition was filed simply because they were dissatisfied.

“Nevertheless, our defence team will ensure that we will win,” he said in Kuala Lumpur today.

Earlier this month, Terengganu Umno filed a petition to annul the general election results for the Kuala Terengganu, Marang and Kemaman constituencies, which were all won by PAS.

The petition was filed in Kuala Terengganu High Court on January 3, in accordance with the Election Offences Act 1954.

Terengganu Umno Liaison chief Ahmad Said said the petition alleged PAS had paid voters from state government coffers over a three-day period from November 15, under the auspices of the i-Pension, i-Belia and i-Student initiatives.

Hamzah, the MP for Larut, said at times the recipients had asked for money from the candidates to repair their house.

“That’s why we have to be careful about our intentions when helping those who seek help,” he said.