IPOH – A state assemblyman has denied allegations that he brandished a firearm during an internal party election over the weekend.
Hulu Kinta assemblyman Muhamad Arafat Varisai Mahamad rejected claims that he had threatened candidates and voters with a pistol during the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Tambun division polls on Sunday.
In a statement, he described the accusations – circulated in a viral video on social media – as defamatory and politically motivated.
“Every time party elections are held, there are those who resort to slander for their own political gain,” he said. “The public can judge the timing of these allegations, which conveniently emerged on polling day.”
Arafat, who is defending his position as PKR Tambun division chief, is being challenged by Shamsul Kamar Ani.
A one-minute video, which began circulating on Sunday, features a man who identifies himself as Kalai alleging that Arafat had shown a pistol to members soliciting votes.
Kalai, said to be contesting the deputy chief post, claimed there were witnesses who could corroborate the incident.
Arafat said he had lodged a police report against the individual in the video and had instructed his lawyers to initiate legal action.
“Candidates should approach elections with principle, ethics, and a sense of camaraderie,” he added. — April 13, 2025