Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias has denied allegations that he distributed money to voters during a campaign walkabout in Kampung Bemban.
The Pertang incumbent, who is seeking a third term in the upcoming state election, said the items he handed out were button badges featuring his caricature as part of his election campaign.
According to Jalaluddin, photos and videos circulating on social media falsely portrayed the campaign activity as cash distribution.
‘Irresponsible parties have circulated photos and videos claiming that I was giving money to voters.
‘This is completely untrue and I consider it slander. If they want to use this as campaign material, they should stop,’ he said after attending a programme at Kampung Kemin in Kuala Klawang, Negeri Sembilan.
Three-cornered contest in Pertang
Jalaluddin will face Pakatan Harapan candidate Umry Abdul Khois and Bersatu candidate Faizal Fadli Idrus in a three-cornered contest for the Pertang state seat, which is located within the Jelebu parliamentary constituency.
He first won the Pertang seat in 2013 but did not defend it in the 2018 state election.
Returning to defend the seat
Jalaluddin returned to contest Pertang in the 2023 state election and defeated Perikatan Nasional candidate Amirudin Hassan in a straight fight with a majority of 2,790 votes, when Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional contested as allies.
In the upcoming election, however, Barisan Nasional is cooperating with Perikatan Nasional, while Pakatan Harapan is contesting all 36 state seats on its own.
