KUALA LUMPUR (May 28): Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Pakatan Harapan has received many complaints of alleged cheating by the Election Commission during the recent general election.

Speaking to reporters after chairing a Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) meeting today, Dr Mahathir said most of the alleged cheating cases occurred in seats which the Pakatan candidates did not win.

"We have received reports on the cheating done by EC that has caused [some] of our candidates to lose. In some instances when some of our candidates had won, out of a sudden another ballot box appears causing the [Pakatan] candidate to then lose

"There were also cases of spoilt votes, up to 800 spoilt votes. Don't tell me Malaysians are that stupid," he said.

Dr Mahathir, who is Pakatan chairman, said the coalition may contest the results in some of these cases.

"It depends on the case, whether we have grounds or not. Whatever action necessary will be taken," he said.

On whether the government will take any action against EC chairman Tan Sri Mohd Hashim Abdullah, the prime minister said it would do so if he is found to have violated the law.

"I understand he wants to resign. If there is anything against him, action will be taken according to the laws of this country," he said.

On PPBM, he said many people, including Umno members, have expressed interest in joining the party.

"Umno members, they may join our party after they have declared that they are no longer Umno members, and are independent of the party. Only then will we consider their application to join Pribumi," he said.

According to Dr Mahathir, there was less interest from the public to join PPBM previously but after Pakatan's victory in the May election, around 1,000 people per day are requesting to become members.