P Waytha Moorthy, as minister in charge of the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa), has given instructions for this probe to be conducted.

“There are already strict instructions not to practise the Barisan Nasional-style campaign using government organs in inducing the public (to vote) or possibility of committing an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954.

“We will need to investigate whether it is internal sabotage or work of external parties to portray a negative picture of the Pakatan Harapan government,” Waytha said in a statement today.

Waytha, who is minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, was referring to news reports that several signboards announcing Jakoa projects had emerged in three villages in Bertam Valley.

The signboards bore the words “Harapan Baru Malaysia”. The word “Harapan” bore similarities to Pakatan Harapan’s logo.

It also included the federal government’s crest and ended with the words “Jasa kepada Orang Asli” (Service to the Orang Asli).

One of the signboards at Kampung Sungai Kabuk announced repairs to a kindergarten.

Malaysiakini reported that Jakoa director-general Ajis Sitin had confirmed that his department had erected the signboards.

About 13.4% of the voters in the Cameron Highlands by-election taking place today are Orang Asli.

Malaysiakini also said finance minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had instructed the authorities to take down the signboards immediately.