KUALA KUBU BARU: Anthony Loke has challenged the opposition to immediately lodge a report with the authorities over claims of government misconduct in Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election campaigning.
The DAP secretary-general questioned why Perikatan Nasional wanted to wait till after the election before filing a petition.
He said if the opposition have substantial evidence, they should file the petition immediately.
"Any dissatisfied party is entitled to file petitions or undertake other legal processes after the election, as it is their right within the legal framework.
"However, for a party to announce even before the election is held that they will file a petition is quite peculiar. So if they (PN) win, nothing is wrong?
"It's as if they already sense defeat and are preparing for it. Hence, I find this quite odd, but it's up to them," he said after visiting the Akademi PS Samy driving school.
Loke was responding to allegations by opposition chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan of government misconduct aiming to sway voters in the upcoming polls.
Takiyuddin had said the opposition would file an election petition if PN loses in Saturday's by-election.
Loke stressed that Pakatan Harapan's campaign had adhered strictly to the law and that instructions have been given to candidates and teams to comply with regulations.
"Takiyuddin speaks as though he already admits defeat, what more is there for me to say? We are conducting our campaign systematically following the law."
When asked about the use of government vehicles by ministers during campaigning, Loke clarified that it is utilised for official duties such as ministry visits.
"I did not come to Kuala Kubu Baharu every day. Earlier I had an official programme in Kuala Lumpur, and it was natural for the driver to accompany me.
"This is not misuse but common practice. Anyone who feels there is a violation of rules can file a complaint with the relevant authorities, including the Election Commission and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
"If they believe there's wrongdoing, they should report it now, not later. If they intend to challenge, we will defend our actions within the legal framework."
On his visit to the driving academy, Loke said he was invited by the academy itself.
Moreover, he first inquired with the Road Transport Department (RTD) before attending the driving academy.
"As for the invitation from the driving academy to come here, I want to emphasise today's programme is not organised by the Transport Ministry, nor is it an RTD programme, but a programme organised by (the academy).
"I was invited to attend this programme but before I attended, I asked Selangor RTD whether there were any issues (with being invited by the academy), (whether there was) any wrongdoing. (I even asked whether) the driving license fees were high or not.
"I asked RTD first because I am the minister. But Selangor RTD said I could go to (the academy). The record (of this driving academy) is clean, there are no issues," he said.
