Pakatan Harapan (PH) has left it to the Election Commission (EC) to investigate allegations of cash being distributed to early voters during the Negeri Sembilan state election (PRN).
PH communications director Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said any investigation into allegations that arise during the election period falls under the jurisdiction of the EC.
Fahmi, who is also the Communications Minister, said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is ready to assist as the technical agency by conducting digital verification and forensic analysis of any content related to the allegations.
“Investigations should be carried out by the EC during the election period, while agencies such as the MCMC are prepared to provide technical assistance, including verification and digital forensic analysis of content that has been uploaded or circulated,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters during a tea session with the Felda Bukit Rotan Barat community on Wednesday, which was also attended by PH Jeram Padang candidate G Manivannan.
When asked about the allegations, Fahmi said the matter should be referred to the EC.
Separately, Fahmi urged the public to remain vigilant against the spread of false information, which he expects will increase in the days leading up to polling day.
He said misleading content, including recycled videos and information taken out of context, is likely to become more widespread in the final days of the campaign and could influence voters.
“I expect that in the last two or three days before polling, there will be an increase in the spread of fake news, especially through WhatsApp.
“There will be inaccurate information, incomplete stories and old videos being recirculated. I urge everyone to be cautious and verify any information received on WhatsApp with mainstream or official news organisations before sharing or believing it,” he said.
