LIPIS: Furious Orang Asli village headmen (Tok Batin) from Pos Betau here are considering lodging a police report against PKR senator Bob Manolan Mohd, whom they accused of “threatening" them into voting for Pakatan Harapan (PH) during a dialogue session on Friday.
Former Pos Betau Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) chairman Ahmad Selalu said the majority of those who attended the dialogue session were angered and offended by the senator's statement.
"Several village heads are considering lodging a police report at the Sungai Koyan police station after nomination day tomorrow (Saturday). They were angry and never expected him, (Bob Manolan) who understands the Orang Asli community well, to utter such words,
"Votes are supposed to be secret but this leader is openly asking the Orang Asli leaders to support Pakatan or else they will suffer the consequences. His speech is now a hot topic in the Orang Asli settlement as no one expected him to make such demands," he said, adding the previous government had never made such requests to secure votes.
It was reported that Bob Manolan, from the Bukit Rok Orang Asli settlement in Bera, told the village headmen that they could end up losing their salaries and positions if they do not support Pakatan Harapan in the Cameron Highlands by-election on Jan 26.
He along with several PH leaders were present at the event, which was attended by Orang Asli village heads from Pos Betau near here.