Provide proof soldiers were paid to vote, Hisham tells Anwar

Provide proof soldiers were paid to vote, Hisham tells Anwar

The defence minister says any evidence should be handed over to MACC for a proper investigation.

Defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein said Anwar Ibrahim’s statement had caused an uproar among military personnel. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA:
Defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein wants Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Anwar Ibrahim to provide authorities with proof of early voting being conducted by military personnel in Bera, Pahang, and that they had been paid RM300 to do so.

This follows Anwar’s statement yesterday that he had proof backing his claims and his intention of handing it over to the Election Commission (EC).

“He (Anwar) said he has proof. It should be submitted to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for an investigation,” he told reporters after attending an event in Sungai Buloh today.

Hishammuddin said the postal voting process was commonplace for armed forces personnel who were on duty and unable to be present on polling day.

“The armed forces’ dignity and integrity aren’t for sale for RM300. His statement has caused an uproar among military personnel.

“Postal votes are commonplace. When they won in GE14, there were postal votes.

“But to accuse our personnel of receiving RM300 … for what reasons he has not said till today,” he added.

Early voting will take place on Nov 15 while polling day is on Nov 19.

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