Are voters in Tambun being coerced into joining Bersatu for aid?

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Voters in Tambun Allegedly Coerced into Joining Bersatu for Aid

Perak PKR information chief Muhammad Arafat Varisai Mahamad has alleged that voters in the Tambun constituency are being compelled to register as members of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in order to receive welfare aid. His office has reportedly received over 90 complaints regarding this issue, with Muhammad Arafat himself interviewing 10 individuals who claim to have been pressured into joining the party. These allegations suggest a pattern of misleading practices, where individuals seeking assistance are allegedly tricked into filling out membership forms under the guise of welfare aid applications, or are explicitly told that party membership is a prerequisite for aid approval or future special benefits.
Allegations of Deceptive Membership Practices

The core of the allegations centres on several methods purportedly used to coerce voters into joining Bersatu. One primary claim is that individuals seeking aid are presented with membership forms and told they are for welfare aid applications, without clear disclosure that they are signing up to become party members. Furthermore, it is alleged that aid approval is contingent upon becoming a party member, and that promises of future special aid are made to entice registration. Victims have reportedly stated they did not willingly sign the forms or agree to pay any registration fees associated with membership.
Victims Share Experiences of Forced Registration

Several individuals have come forward with personal accounts detailing their alleged experiences. R. Ganesan, a 52-year-old army veteran, stated that he felt he had no alternative but to register as a party member to access necessary assistance, particularly for his family's needs following an accident that resulted in the loss of his leg. Mahanin Abdul Hamid, who suffers from nerve issues affecting her legs, reported that her applications for help were consistently ignored until she became a party member. Another resident, Ahmad Zaini Abdul Hamid, expressed surprise at finding himself registered as a Bersatu member without having actively signed up for it. These accounts suggest a systemic issue where access to aid is linked to party affiliation.
Tambun Service Centre Identified as Responsible

Muhammad Arafat has identified the Tambun constituency service centre, which is headed by Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, as the entity responsible for these alleged practices. He suggested that this trend may have emerged following the political fall of former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, potentially as an effort to bolster party membership numbers. This timeframe, according to Muhammad Arafat, has seen a surge in individuals being forcefully signed up as members.
Bersatu Deputy President Denies Coercion, Offers Investigation

In response to the allegations, Bersatu deputy president and Tambun Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has denied instructing any staff or party members to coerce voters into joining the party. He stated that such practices are not part of Bersatu's culture and expressed shock at the claims. Ahmad Faizal has invited those with complaints to lodge them directly with him or to file a police report, and has offered to investigate the matter if the allegations prove to be true. He also suggested that Muhammad Arafat should present such claims to the relevant authorities rather than politicising the issue.

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Are voters in Tambun being coerced into joining Bersatu for aid?

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