KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 — Parti Bersatu Pribumi Malaysia could go into state polls financially handicapped, its deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said after several accounts linked to the Opposition party were frozen as part of a graft probe by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The party’s accounts have been frozen since three weeks ago, Ahmad Faizal was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

“If we don’t have funds at all to contest elections won’t be easy. This could put pressure on our campaign,” he said.

“But if we have to resort to walking to meet people one by one, whatever we can muster we’ll do it,” the former minister added.

The investigation followed allegations that Bersatu leaders solicited and took bribes during its short stint as the ruling party led by then-prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, whose leadership spanned between just 2020 to 2021.

Ahmad Faizal claimed he is the dark about why the party accounts were frozen but appealed to the MACC to expedite its investigation.

The blockage would affect daily operations, including salaries of party staff, he said.

“We have cooperated with the MACC as best as possible and we hope they can finish the investigation quickly,” citing the need to pay salaries of staff.

Six states are slated to hold their elections this year: three states led by Pakatan Harapan (PH) ― Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, and three states administered by PAS, namely Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.

Both PH and Perikatan Nasional are discussing the possibility of holding them concurrently some time in June or July.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/02/02/frozen-account-may-upend-bersatus-state-polls-prep-party-deputy-chief-admits/53029