MELAKA: Former chief minister Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam today refuted the opposition's allegations hurled against him, calling them an underhanded tactic to fish for votes.
Ali, who is contesting the Hang Tuah Jaya parliamentary seat, said allegations that he stole the people's money for personal gain were "extreme" and "unbecoming of Muslims".
"This is an accusation that should not have been made by a well-educated Muslim. I have filed a lawsuit against him to seek justice.
"Why I would take money from the poor? I was Chief Minister in the past and I helped the poor," he told the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) when contacted today.
The Bukit Katil Umno division chief also said the allegation had marred his reputation.
Last week, the NSTP reported that Ali's lawyer had issued a write of summons and letter of demand to former Bukit Katil member of parliament Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, who allegedly made the claim.
Shamsul allegedly made defamatory remarks against Ali during a meet-the-people session on Feb 11 at a recreational park in Ayer Molek here.