The deputy prime minister said that any party, including Perikatan Nasional, could use such services if they wished – provided it did not involve government funds or assets.

“That is not a government helicopter and it is not paid for by the ministry,” he said at a press conference in Kampung Limau Kasturi here. “I have no objection if Annuar wants to use it. He can wear Louis Vuitton (LV) and use a helicopter.”

Annuar had been criticised by Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi for wearing clothes from luxury brand LV while campaigning for the Nenggiri by-election on Saturday.

Puad said Annuar should act a little less conspicuously to avoid flaunting his wealth to the Orang Asli community.

While it is not wrong to use branded items, one should be modest, especially when frequently discussing the struggles of lower-income communities, Puad said.

The use of helicopters by Umno leaders while campaigning for the government candidate had been questioned by Annuar, who is PN’s operations director for the Nenggiri by-election.

Annuar said he was informed that the helicopter was sponsored, but expressed concern about elements of corruption if the sponsor had vested interests.

He also alleged that hundreds of thousands of ringgit were spent to fly Umno leaders to Gua Musang from Kuala Lumpur, adding that this violates election laws which impose limits on campaign spending.