Umno president Zahid told reporters during a visit to Sungai Bakap yesterday that he believed proposals to build a senior citizens’ activity centre and a Tamil school in the area will be implemented if PH’s Joohari Ariffin clinches the state seat, Sinar Harian reported.

“This is blatant bribery intended to influence voters, and it should be declared an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954,” said PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari in a statement.

“This is a desperate move by the government, particularly PH and Barisan Nasional, to win this by-election, even if it means compromising on the principles of democracy.”

Fadhli, who is also the Pasir Mas MP, said PAS does not rule out the possibility of legal action against those attempting to violate election laws, especially if they offer incentives or projects with the aim of influencing voters.

Joohari faces PN’s Abidin Ismail for the seat which fell vacant following the death of PAS assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24.