POLICE are investigating a possible RM300,000 extortion case after a reported was filed by the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Hulu Kinta state seat, Mazlan Abd Rahman, who claimed unknown parties demanded the sum from him.

Perak police chief Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the case is being investigated under section 385 of the penal code, after the 50-year-old filed the report.

“He received the threats from an unknown phone number while campaigning.

“The victim was ordered to pay RM300,000 or the suspect would spread letters, leaflets and social media posts discrediting him,” Yusri said in a statement today.

Mazlan said the threat was sent through Whatsapp at about 6pm on Tuesday and again at 11.34am yesterday, before he decided to make a report at Tambun police station at noon yesterday.

He said he is leaving it to the police to conduct an investigation and arrest the parties involved.

“I have not touched the personal lives of my challengers or any people and I even hugged the opposing party when we met during the campaign.

“My concept is to be friends with anyone.

“The threat will not make me withdraw and I am firm in continuing the struggle for the people of Hulu Kinta.

“Meanwhile, I do not have the money to pay the criminal,” he said in Bandar Baru Tambun, Ipoh, today.

He said the messages and the sender’s phone number had been handed over to the police, and hoped that all parties would campaign in a fair manner.

He said that the threats would not break his spirit.

Mazlan is standing against three other candidates: Muhamad Arafat Varisai Mahamad (PH-PKR), Puteri Holijah Mohd Rali (PN-Bersatu) and Murugiah Subramaniam (Ind) in a state constituency with 74,292 voters. – Bernama, November 11, 2022.