PAS: Nik Aziz gave alms, not bribes

PAS elections director Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman has denied that the Kelantan menteri besar’s cash awards to several Orang Asli are a form of corruption.

Abdul Halim was referring to Utusan Malaysia which today reported that MB Nik Aziz Nik Mat was observed handing out money to several Orang Asli, and that the Election Commission (EC) was looking into the matter as a possible election offence.

He said that he has spoken with the MB's political secretary to get the facts.

"I was told it was wang zakat (alms). Tok Guru had converted three Orang Asli to Islam and had given them the wang zakat,” Abdul Halim told a press conference at PAS election headquarters in Gua Musang today.

"How can giving zakat be corruption?"

Abdul Halim added that the EC should be transparent about the issue.

“Let’s not cry corruption just because Tok Guru hands out some alms, let not the rakyat see the EC as biased."

He said the Umno-owned daily is was fond of "misleading people".

“Indeed that is their habit. But I think their actions will give PAS an advantage, because when people read the article they will be angry and take it as a lie," he said.

'Up to MACC to probe'

When asked by reporters about the matter, Election Commission chairperson Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said: "Yes, I saw the report and viewed the picture of him (Nik Aziz) handing over the money.

"It is really suspicious. But whatever it is, we do not have the power to investigate. That lies with my sister agency the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

"So far, the EC has not received any complaint over this matter. Anyway, this is within the realm of the MACC."

When told that Nik Aziz was giving zakat as he had converted those Orang Asli to become Muslims, he said he was not in a position to comment and the matter should be directed to the MACC.

Perkasa Youth vice-chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris, meanwhile, filed a police report this afternoon against Nik Aziz over the matter.

Also with him at the Gua Musang police station to lodge his own report on the same matter was ex-Tendong assemblyperson, Fauzi Muhammad.

According to Irwan’s police report, PAS had breached Article 10 of the Elections Offences Act 1954 for giving cash inducements for votes.

He pointed out that the recipients were voters and will be casting their ballots tomorrow.