Johor polls: Mahkota BN candidate accused of vote-buying?

JOHOR BARU – Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Mahkota candidate Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zai has been accused of buying votes from security personnel.

This was revealed on Twitter by @oskortos, who claims to have received information that the former Johor Umno Wanita chief was reportedly bribing members of the armed forces for votes.

The allegation mentioned that Sharifah also gave money to civil servants working in Seventh Brigade’s camp in Kluang, according to a report by Getaran, The Vibes’ sister portal.

“The moment I arrived in Kluang, I got a juicy story about BN’s Mahkota candidate giving out RM50 to soldiers and all those working in the Seventh Brigade's camp,” the netizen tweeted.

However, the netizen expressed views that it will not be easy to “buy” members of the armed forces who hold close to the principles of integrity and anti-corruption.

“BN supporters are angry. Do you all think I am merely posting a tale?

“But, I am confident not all soldiers can be bought so cheaply. If not, how can I get the picture,” the netizen added.

Sampai je Kluang dapat cerita sedap pasal calon BN DUN Mahkota bagi sorang RM 50 kat askar dan semua yang kerja kat kem 7 Briged Kluang.

Siap pakai sampul kem lagi. Celaka betul. pic.twitter.com/ka8C32IPi5

— oskortos 🇲🇾 (@oskortos) March 11, 2022

Meanwhile, another user, @SargeantMai, confirmed the incident, saying that Sharifah offered RM150 to the wives of armed forces personnel.

He alleged that all of the women were gathered at a specific place using a public bus to vote, and that two days later, the brigade was visited by Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

Berite d sahkn benar
Pengundi2 isteri anggota tentera DUN MAHKOTA..
di sogok setiap orang d bagi rm 150.00.Semua isteri d kumpulkn satu tempat d bawa dgn bas awam untuk mngundi.Sblm tu dlm sampul ade pulus 150.00. 2 hari lps Dato hisamuddin jumpa panglima 7 bgd. bgd..seterusnye

— Mai Sargeant (@SargeantMai) March 10, 2022

If these allegations are proven true, it may amount to an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954.

Meanwhile, netizens outraged over the allegations against Sharifah have urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the matter.

“Is Umno seriously still campaigning like this? If this mentality is still maintained by our leaders, I think the level of corruption in our country will never change,” Asla Fuu said.

“A candidate like this is not qualified to lead the rakyat. MACC must view this matter seriously and take immediate action,” Roysam Sail said.

“Whoever is exposing this matter should immediately file a report. Don’t just cause chaos on social media. 

“Surely the MACC will take action because the evidence is there,” Rahman said on Twitter. – The Vibes, March 11, 2022