Dzulkefly prepared to be probed over handing out ‘duit raya’

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad says MACC can probe his handing out of ‘duit raya’ envelopes.

PETALING JAYA: Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said he is prepared to be investigated over claims he handed out “duit raya” to voters in Kuala Kubu Baharu, after pictures of envelopes bearing his picture went viral on social media.

He also defended the handing out of the “duit raya”, saying it was a habit of his when visiting people and staff at hospitals, The Star reported.

“Every Raya and visit, it is my habit (to give out ‘duit raya’ envelopes). But it happened before nomination day (for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election).

“Let them investigate,” he said, referring to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, adding that “they will know eventually”.

Yesterday, a source close to the matter denied that Dzulkefly was handing out election goodies in the unity government’s campaign for the by-election after he came under fire for his actions.

The source said the minister had officially handed out “duit raya” in hospitals before nomination day on April 27. Some of the envelopes were distributed to Ampang Hospital staff on April 10, Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) staff on April 11, and to other people during his visits.

Dzulkefly also visited the National Blood Centre on April 24 and went to the Kuala Kubu Baharu Hospital and HKL again on April 26.

The source said as health ministry staff are regularly rotated, not all hospital or clinic staff are Kuala Kubu Baharu voters.

Yesterday, Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal called on the Election Commission to investigate Dzulkefly.

Polling for the by-election is on May 11.