KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — One day after denouncing a statutory declaration (SD) allegedly signed by Umno candidates ahead of their election candidacy announcement as fake, Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi today implored voters to choose BN in rejection of such deceitful schemes purportedly concocted by their rivals.

In a statement, Ahmad Zahid claimed the coalition’s rivals were "afraid of their own shadow” and "overthinking” that what they had done in the past might be used against them in the future.

"At a time when BN is working hard to persuade the people to restore the country in the upcoming election, BN’s opponents never cease to spread slander and lies as part of their campaigning.

"The latest accusation serves as clear evidence why the people should reject them and ensure they are not victorious in forming the new government.

"Do not let Malaysia be administered by a government formed on the basis of lies and deceit because surely the people will once again be lied to,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said Malaysians would be able to discern truth from falsehood, noting that Malaysians today are rational enough to not fall for such lies.

"They think BN are like them where immediately after GE14, they dropped ongoing criminal charges against their leaders and antagonised several BN leaders who were loyal and refused to accede to their demands,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid did not name any names.

Ahmad Zahid’s denial comes after the purported SD included a promise, among others, by the signatory to support him as the prime minister after GE15 concluded.

Other "promises” depicted on the SD were to give major Cabinet posts and political appointments to Umno MPs, as well as dropping court charges involving top Umno leaders.