A DEPUTY minister has lashed out at Barisan Nasional (BN) supporters for tearing off the ruling coalition’s flags from a Pahang state vehicle accused of being used to campaign in the Cameron Highlands by-election.

Deputy Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji said he witnessed BN campaigners in the act during the 6.30pm incident yesterday at Kg Sop, Pos Lenjang.

“There are laws. Do not act arbitrarily,” the angry Zulpuri said in a video recording last night.

“We have the right to do welfare work.

“If you want to search (government vehicles to determine if they are used for campaigning) you can, but you have no right to tear them (the flags). That’s rude.

“If you’re not satisfied, take a picture. Do not act like a gangster,” Zulpuri said.

In a video circulated on social media yesterday, BN campaign worker Yusman Zahari said Pakatan Harapan (PH) continued to use a Pahang Forest Department vehicle to campaign in the Cameron Highlands by-election in defiance of an order from State Secretary Sallehuddin Ishak to return the vehicle to the department’s Raub office.

Yusman said his team had found the four-wheel drive covered by a PH flag and the national flag, and was filled with PH campaign material.

Photos of the campaign workers peeling off the flags prompted the Pahang State Secretary to order the vehicle to be returned as he said the original application for the vehicle was for the use of a federal deputy, and not for campaigning activities.

BN has defended the act of its supporters, saying that they were attempting to hold on to evidence.

The Malaysian Insight understands the BN had lodged a police report on the incident.

The Cameron Highlands parliamentary by-election was called after the election court on November 30 declared BN candidate C. Sivarraajh’s win at the 14th general election null and void as he had committed corrupt practices.

The polling this Saturday will see a four-cornered contest with BN fielding a former senior police officer and an Orang Asli, Ramli Mohd Nor, while PH refielded their defeated GE14 candidate, M. Manogaran.

Two independents, Sallehudin Ab Talib and Wong Seng Yee, are the remaining contestants. – January 21, 2019.