SIBU: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate for Dudong, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (pic) has denied that he is buying votes.

       In a statement on Saturday (Dec 11), Tiong claimed that the rumours that were making the rounds on social media had caused uproar among the longhouse communities in the constituency.

       "There have been rumours that I have a treasure trove of wealth allowing me to buy votes at RM500 per vote and even RM1,000 for a single longhouse's pintu,” he said

       "Some people have even said I would throw in a free gift," added the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president.

       The PDP is a member of the GPS coalition

       Tiong categorically denied these rumours as malicious claims to discredit him for the election.

       "Throughout my career as a five-term Member of Parliament, I have never agreed with the practice nor resorted to buying votes,” said the Bintulu MP.

       "Voters must choose me to support their constituency based on my track record of pragmatic service and sincerity to bring real change to the people," he added.

       He urged those who spread these rumours to stop this despicable behaviour immediately, or he would have no choice but to make a police report.

       Tiong added that he had also heard that other political parties intended to buy votes.

       "I wish to call on the people of Dudong to cast their votes along rational lines to discern the right choices from the wrong during this Sarawak election.

       "Let us take action to eliminate money politics. Do not give away your vote just for a small one-off gain.

       It would mean voting against one’s will for those who would simply buy your vote to win elections," he said.