GUA MUSANG: Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi should provide evidence for his claim that Perikatan Nasional (PN) used state government assets during the Nenggiri by-election campaign.
PN operations director for Nenggiri by-election Tan Sri Annuar Musa refuted the accusation, stating that the party has never misused state assets such as vehicles.
"We did not misuse government assets during the Kemaman by-election in 2023, even though the Pas candidate was the Menteri Besar," Annuar said.
"However, in the Nenggiri by-election, we see the Orang Asli Development Department's (Jakoa) houses being used as a Barisan Nasional (BN) base and government vehicles being adorned with BN posters. This behavior is unethical and not something we would do."
Speaking at a press conference after delivering a speech at Jeram Tekoh, Annuar said that PN, particularly Pas, follows its own campaign methods.
On Thursday, Annuar posted on Facebook alleging that government vehicles were improperly used for campaign activities in Nenggiri, violating regulations.
Zahid, who is also the BN chairman, responded by saying he is willing to investigate the claims regarding the misuse of government assets by BN.
He also challenged those making accusations to provide evidence as required by the Election Commission Act.
"Don't just accuse us (BN) of using government machinery. What about the Kelantan state government? I'm sure there are instances of misuse there too," Zahid said.
The Nenggiri by-election on Aug 17 is a straight fight between BN's Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani, who is representing the Unity Government, and Pas candidate Mohd Rizwadi Ismail, who is contesting for PN.