HULU SELANGOR: Transport minister Loke Siew Fook has dismissed a claim that ministers used official cars during the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election campaign.
“They didn’t misuse (their cars). For example, when I came earlier I had official duties and I was not here all day.
“There was an official programme in Kuala Lumpur, after which the driver brought me here. This is normal and not a misuse of government property,” Loke said after attending an event here.
He said anyone who felt his actions violated the electoral rules may lodge a complaint with the authorities.
Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, said PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan’s recent statement was strange because he said the opposition would only file the petition if it lost the by-election.
Loke said if Pakatan Harapan (PH) has committed any offences, the opposition should complain to the authorities during the campaigning period itself and not wait until after the election is over.
“What I find strange is that he said if they lose, they will file a report. Does that mean if they win, we wouldn’t have done anything wrong (as claimed)?”
On Tuesday, Takiyuddin said Perikatan Nasional (PN) would file an election petition if PH won the by-election because he claimed PN has evidence of bribery and misuse of government property.
Meanwhile, PH election director Steven Sim and candidate Pang Sock Tao have denied the allegation, stating that the coalition adhered to all the election laws.
Election Commission chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh said anyone is entitled to file a petition if they are dissatisfied with the by-election’s results, including allegations of misconduct.
He said the petition must be filed within 21 days of the announcement of the results.
On Sunday, electoral watchdog Bersih called on ministers not to use government assets because it is unfair to their opponents.
