Money being distributed?

By-election Bukit Gantang

Rumours of money being distributed to voters sent a mad rush of people over to the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) operation centre in Taman Kota Jaya, Simpang yesterday.

When Malaysiakini arrived the scene, men and women were seen streaming in and out of the building. Inside, they were seen handing their identity cards to two youths who would copy down details on a blank sheet of paper.

Several of the people when approached said that they were trying their luck following intense rumours of a large number of voters already received RM100 cash over the past three days in exchange for voting a particular party.

This, however, could not be independently verified.

I was told that if the boss comes tomorrow, then we can claim the money, said one elderly Chinese woman.

PPP denies knowledge

However, another woman from an adjacent building said noting down of identity card numbers was a service provided for voters to check their voting centre details.

Nevertheless, rumours are still rife that certain quarters are distributing money to influence the election results.

Just yesterday two men came to my restaurant and said they were celebrating the RM100 they obtained, said a restaurant owner nearby.

Meanwhile, Perak PPP chief Lee Heng denied knowledge of the matter when contacted today, adding that the party does not entertain request for money in exchange for votes.

During election, there will be citizens make a lot of requests including for monetary assistance.

"We never give money, but in some deserving cases we recommend them to the welfare department and other appropriate authorities, he said.

Video by: Kuek Ser Kuang Keng