Bersih referred to reports of a speech Wan Rosdy had made on Jan 21, in which he encouraged the audience to vote for Barisan Nasional (BN) as land matters come under state jurisdiction.

“Bersih views the alleged statement by Wan Rosdy with grave concern as he is reminding the voters in Cameron Highlands that as the state menteri besar, he has the power to decide on land matters.

“To a farming community such as Cameron Highlands, the security of land tenure is a matter of great importance as their livelihood depends on it,” it said in a statement.

It urged Wan Rosdy to immediately clarify his remarks and assure voters that he would carry out his duty as menteri besar and work to resolve all outstanding issues regardless of who is elected as MP of Cameron Highlands.

“Voters should not be subjected to such threats on their livelihood when casting their votes,” it said.

It added that such remarks could be deemed as undue influence, which is an election offence under Section 9 of the Election Offences Act 1954, or even abuse of power under Section 23 (1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.

The Cameron Highlands by-election is the fifth to be called after the May 9 polls last year.

M Manogaran from DAP, representing Pakatan Harapan, will take on BN candidate Ramli Mohd Nor and independent candidates Wong Seng Yee and Sallehudin Ab Talib.