CAMERON HIGHLANDS (Jan 13): No Orang Asli leader should be punished for his political choice in the Cameron Highlands by-election, says Pakatan Harapan candidate M. Manogaran.

The Orang Asli villagers and their leaders such as Tok Batin should come out and vote in the first by-election this year on Jan 26, Manogaran, from the DAP.

They should not pay heed to any threat that they could lose their positions and allowances, he said. 

"Irrespective of their choices, we are encouraging the Orang Asli to come out and vote, and discharge their duty as Malaysians to elect their member of parliament," Managoran told reporters after completing his second day on the campaign trail in Kampung Sungai Relung at Pos Menson. 

He was accompanied by senior DAP leader and deputy defence minister Senator Liew Chin Tong.

The by-election will see a four-cornered fight among DAP,  Barisan Nasional and two independent candidates. 

As for the Tok Batin who hold positions in the village committees, Manogaran said: "Whoever they are aligned to in the past and currently, we will recommend that their post be retained and whatever allowances given to them remain as it is."

Manogaran was referring to reports on Friday that PKR Senator Bob Manolan Mohd had allegedly threatened the Tok Batins that they may lose their allowances if they do not pledge support to PH. Manolan has claimed that his comment had been misinterpreted.

"That was his claim and it has nothing to do with me. As for PH, we believe in clean and fair electrical practices with no coercion and pressure to anyone, including the Tok Batin," Manogaran added.