“It all depends on the intention. This issue is about the givers,” he said.

Hamzah was commenting on criticisms received by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang for saying that cash given to the voters during the recent general election (GE15) was merely alms (sedekah) and that it was not against the election rules.

Hamzah said sometimes it was the voters themselves who asked for money from candidates.

“I am not sure about that (alms), but what matters is the intention behind giving the money. It is not about accepting money.

“There are those who ask (for money) from candidates to fix their houses.

“Therefore, we need to be cautious with our intention to give the money to those who ask for it,” he told reporters at Gerakan’s headquarters in Cheras here after attending the party’s Chinese New Year open house.

Yesterday, Hadi made the alms remarks in response to the petitions filed by Terengganu Umno to annul his GE15 victory in Marang, as well as PAS’ victories in Kuala Terengganu and Kemaman due to claims of bribery.

Both the PAS leader and PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, who were present at the event, refused to comment further on the matter.

Hamzah said PN would challenge the election petitions, adding that they had a legal team to defend the MPs involved.

Commenting on the coalition’s preparations for the state elections, that are due to be held this year, Hamzah said talks between the component parties have yet to be concluded.

However, he expressed confidence that the coalition would score handsome victories in the PN-held states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.

“Whereas for the Pakatan Harapan-held states of Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Penang, we need to really ensure that all our candidates are accepted not only by the Malays but also by the non-Malays.”