Tun M rubbishes Zahid allegations of plan for sympathy votes (Updated)

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Harapan's Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad rubbished allegations from caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who said that the opposition are planning to admit Mahathir to the hospital a day before the election as a ploy to gain sympathy votes.
Mahathir who was addressing a 2,000 strong crowd at a rally at Desa Pandan in the Titiwangsa constituency yesterday said that he does not need the so called "sympathy votes" to win.
"Pity for me? I don't need to enter the hospital to get support of the people, the support I have been receiving throughout the campaign is more than enough," he said to loud cheers at the rally.
He also alleged that he has been the victim of intimidation from the customs and the immigration department.
"I came back on a flight from Kuala Terengganu today and I was met by customs and immigration officers who checked my bags," he said.
"I think they were hoping to find money, but all they found was keropok lekor which I had brought back from Kuala Terengganu," he said taking a jibe at the officers.
Mahathir was speaking at the rally in the pouring rain, he was joined by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Batu incumbent Tian Chua, PH's candidate for the Titiwangsa seat Rina Harun and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah.
He said at the rally that he did not need to pay supporters of the party to attend the rally, they had all come to support the opposition because they yearn for a better future.
"I did not have to pay all of you to brave the rain and the mud and the crowds to be here, you all are here to support the opposition and vote against the current government for a better future," he said to loud cheers of "Hidup Tun M" (long live Tun M).
Earlier today Zahid called this Pakatan Harapan's "surprise last minute attack", adding that it was the same tactic used when Mahathir said there was a sabotage attempt on his flight last Friday.
Zahid said that he is sure of this tactic because he is well aware of Mahathir as he had worked many years with him.