IPOH: Any individual who feels he or she has been coerced into joining Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) when applying for aid should lodge a complaint with the party or make a police report, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu (pic).

       The Tambun MP and Bersatu deputy president said he had never instructed any of his staff or party members to force anyone seeking assistance from his Parliamentary service centre to do such a thing.

       He was responding to claims made by Hulu Kinta assemblyman Muhammad Arafat Varisai Muhamad earlier on Thursday (Nov 18) that people applying for aid at the centre were being asked to become Bersatu members first.

       Hulu Kinta is one of the state seats in the Tambun parliamentary constituency.

       "If people come across any of my staff using their MyKad for any wrong purpose, they can lodge a report," Ahmad Faizal, who is also Youth and Sports Minister, said when contacted.

       Perak PKR information chief Muhammad Arafat made the claim during a press conference with four individuals who said they were asked to become Bersatu members when they sought aid from the centre.

       “Over 90 people in the constituency have approached me (with such claims).

       “I have video recordings of their (statements), as well as the forms they were made to sign to become members, and I am hoping that Ahmad Faizal will not deny this, otherwise I shall reveal all.

       “Some who were desperate for aid, especially during the pandemic, were forced to become members, while some were unaware they were members until lately. Some signed the (membership) forms thinking it was (for) the Welfare Department,” he claimed.

       The four people who accompanied Muhammad Arafat at the press conference were former army veteran R. Ganeson, 52, who is disabled; trader Mahani Abdul Hamid, 42; housewife Hafedah Ahmad, 36; and Ahamad Zaini Abdul Hamid, 31.

       Ganeson, who lost his right leg in an accident, claimed he had asked for help from the centre in November last year, and a representative who came to his house set a condition that he had to become a Bersatu member for easier aid distribution in the future.

       “Out of desperation I had no choice but to become a member, and I was given a food box. After that I did not receive any assistance despite asking for it,” he said.

       Mahani said she had to look after her mother and disabled brother, and wanted to enrol in some courses offered by the centre, but was told to become a member first.

       “I am only selling kuih (cakes), and it is not enough, as my mother has a chronic heart ailment, while my brother has difficulty walking due to a bad fall," said Mahani.

       “I run the household, and I went to the centre to (seek) help, but when they put forth the condition, I refused,” she added, adding that she never received any aid.

       Ahamad Zaini and Hafedah said they were also forced to become members as they needed aid, but claimed nothing came their way.

       Ahmad Faizal stressed that those who made the allegations could lodge complaints with him, or even file police reports.

       “I think Arafat should focus on helping the poor and needy, and rendering his services to the people.

       “Suddenly he calls a press conference making such allegations.

       “We have not seen Arafat in the state assembly for months due to his vaccination status (Muhammad Arafat reportedly has yet to receive the vaccine), and now he is making allegations,” Ahmad Faizal said.