MIRI – Photos of several incumbent candidates from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) doling out election souvenirs ahead of the state polls on Saturday are making their rounds on social media.
The objects, branded with the coalition’s logo, include mugs, T-shirts, caps and other personal items.
Netizens and observers have criticised the supposed handouts.
One candidate, Dr Annuar Rapaee, who is defending the Nangka seat in central Sarawak, explained that the mugs were handed out as gifts to the public “out of friendship”.
Dr Annuar, a cardiologist, added that he had given such mugs to those who have taken their Covid-19 booster shots as a way of thanking them for doing so.
“Yes, I handed out GPS mugs as gifts to the public not because of the upcoming polling day, but out of friendship,” he said.
Dr Annuar also accused the opposition of making an issue “out of nothing”.
“I have been giving such souvenirs even before the election campaigning period,” the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu member told reporters at a function in Sibu.
Dr Annuar is contending against candidates from PKR, Parti Sarawak Bersatu, Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak and Parti Bumi Kenyalang in the fight for the Nangka constituency. – The Vibes, December 15, 2021
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