VILLAGE chiefs (tok batin) in Cameron Highlands will receive their salaries from the Pakatan Harapan government even though they hold posts in Umno, said M. Manogaran. 

The DAP by-election candidate said that top Pakatan Harapan leaders had ensured that they will get their wages. 

“There are no restrictions on them taking on party posts. We cannot be intimidating them by the virtue of them holding party posts.

“If they hold the post, they are entitled to the allowance or salary,” he said after visiting the Orang Asli village in Kampung Sg Relong in Menson today.

Manogaran was responding to an incident where Pakatan Harapan senator Bob Manolan had allegedly threatened village chiefs to support the government in the coming by-election or risk losing their jobs.

The senator had allegedly said that village chiefs should be loyal to the federal government since their salaries were paid by Putrajaya, or else they would be removed.

Manolan, however, denied threatening the village chiefs, adding that what he meant was the village chiefs should not keep their government positions while simultaneously holding positions in Umno.

An audio recording posted by news portal Malaysiakini, however, has Manolan saying: “Tak support, kita buang (No support, we get rid of them).”

Manogaran said the tok batins can vote for anyone without fear of losing their jobs.

“Not only here in Menson but all over Cameron. They will receive their salaries without any obstructions.” – January 13, 2019.