Warisan denies offering airfare incentives to Sabah voters
by Nancy Lai · Borneo Post OnlineKOTA KINABALU (Nov 27): Parti Warisan (Warisan) has strongly denied claims that it is offering financial incentives to help Sabah voters living outside the state pay for return flight tickets ahead of polling day on Saturday.
The denial comes after a flyer began circulating online and through messaging platforms, alleging that Warisan was providing ‘assistance for return fares’ to Sabahans working or studying in Peninsular Malaysia.
The flyer also displayed a photograph of Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and instructed applicants to submit their MyKad details and bank account information via WhatsApp or through a QR code.
Warisan secretary-general Datuk Loretto Padua Jr said the information was fabricated and intended to mislead voters.
“I confirm that Parti Warisan is not providing any return airfare payment incentives for Sabah voters travelling back to vote on Nov 29.
“Such incentives clearly violate the Election Offences Act 1954. This is a slanderous act by irresponsible parties attempting to mislead the public while dragging Warisan into an offence under the Act,” he said in a statement today.
Loretto stressed that the party has never offered financial inducements of this nature at any point during the campaign.
He also expressed concern that the flyer appeared to use tactics common in online scams.
“I urge the public, especially Sabah voters, to be cautious of such flyers, particularly those requesting identification numbers, bank account details, or prompting QR code scans.
“These are typical methods used by scammers to steal an individual’s savings,” he said.
Loretto advised voters not to respond to any such messages and to verify information directly with official party channels.
Loretto ended his statement by thanking the public for their vigilance and cooperation.