THE Pakatan Harapan team has done nothing wrong by providing food and drinks for volunteers during nomination day for the Cameron Highlands by-election, said its candidate, M. Manogaran.

He said volunteers were provided with food and drinks but clarified that there was no big-scale feast.

“During nominations, when our volunteers are given food and drinks, it’s not a makan (feasting) session, it’s a necessity so it’s different.

“We did not break any Election Commission (EC) rule,” he told reporters after the Ponggol festival at the Sri Subramaniyar temple in Tanah Rata today.

The EC has advised all parties to observe elections laws and ethics when campaigning in the Cameron Highlands by-election.

Its chairman, Azhar Harun, said the don’ts include giving presents, holding kenduri (feasts), raising race and religious sensitivities and using government machinery, assets or programmes.

When asked about the ‘Program Kenduri Rakyat’ (People’s Banquet Programme) tonight in Sungai Koyan, Mahogaran said he was unaware of it. 

After checking with his party machinery, Manogaran said the event had been cancelled. 

He said he had been very careful not allow any other parties from misinterpreting his actions as wrongdoing. 

“I’m very careful that even such I’m afraid to take out my wallet to pay for my own food in the restaurant. Suddenly they might take something (photos) and give it a twist” he said. 

Manogaran said he had been careful not to break any election laws, and will focus on more pressing local issues. 

“We have to move on from this, I want to focus on local issues that is close to the heart of the people.” he said. – January 15, 2019.