Bersih warns EC against giving ‘free rein’ to BN candidates
In the event that investigations are not carried out by the Election Commission (EC), legal action may still be taken after the election.
KUCHING: Bersih 2.0 has expressed extreme disappointment that the Election Commission (EC) is keeping mum and giving a free hand to political parties for vote buying and corrupt practices. “Reports show blatant use of public funds to openly support candidates that are allied with the Adenan Satem team.”
“It’s unfettered political financing where state and federal funds – hence public monies — are audaciously used to finance candidates’ winning.”
Such unfair acts create unequal access for contesting candidates, warned the NGO in a statement. “It allows those with greater capacity to obtain funds to ascend the political hierarchy and win seats during elections.”
“This further undermines electoral fairness.”
The EC must hold offenders accountable without fear or favour, demanded Bersih 2.0. “We strongly urge the public to continue to collect evidence of election misconduct, to make a police report and publicize it.”
“In the event that investigations are not carried out by the EC, legal action may still be taken after the elections.”
Bersih 2.0 was commenting on Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi promising RM250,000, just a day before the Royal Malaysian Police’s General Operations Force (PGA) Kuching Camp cast their advance votes. “He promised an allocation of RM100,000 for a surau and chapel respectively for Muslim and Christian PGA members and RM50,000 for the Police Families Association (Perkep).”
After promising the money allocation, lamented Bersih 2.0, “he reportedly shamelessly said, ‘Now let’s see first, cross who (pangkah siapa?)’.”
Zahid also made other pledges such as RM500,000 for a school in Miri if BN candidate Lee Kim Shin wins in the Senadin constituency, continued the Bersih 2.0 statement. “He also announced an allocation of RM70 million to build a bridge in Kampung Long Lama in the Telang Usan constituency.”
The Deputy Prime Minister’s statements were damaging and in violation of the Election Offences Act, Section 9 (Undue Influence) and Section 10 (Bribery), said Bersih 2.0. “The Act is clear. It’s an offence, regardless of who committed them and for whose benefit, when they are committed for the purpose of corruptly influencing any person’s vote or inducing the person to refrain from voting or the use of bribery.”
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak also violated Election Offence S.9 in reportedly promising an allocation totaling RM54.3 million for extension of water mains and upgrading of existing pipelines, said the NGO.
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“He also announced an allocation of RM1 million from the Federal Government to the St Jude Church and the Sarawak Government matched the allocation with another RM1 million.”