RANTAU: Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has denied claims that Barisan Nasional (BN) is offering money to lure voters to ensure the party wins the Rantau state by-election.
Mohamad or Tok Mat, the BN candidate in the polls said, the claims were merely attempts by irresponsible parties to tarnish his good name and BN, in the upcoming by-election.
"I have received information that many people in the constituency, the majority of whom are BN supporters, had received calls urging them to vote for BN and will be paid RM50 in return.
"I have asked those who received the calls, which started a few days ago, to lodge a police report.
"This has never been our strategy to fish for votes. It smells like the working of irresponsible parties to make us look bad," he said today.
Mohamad said he hoped the Election Commission would launch an investigation into the matter to restore BN's good name.
"I hope this kind of strategy will stop. It's time for everyone to practise mature politics," he added.
Meanwhile, commenting on his statement about contesting a parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election last night, Mohamad said the matter was spoken in jest, but did not discount the possibility.
"I think, after being in a state seat for so long, it's only a natural thing to do to move on to a parliamentary seat.
"It's a normal process for a politician. I don't think it's a big issue." he added.