It also warned them not to play up sensitive racial and religious issues in their campaigns.

In a statement, EC chairman Azhar Azizan Harun said he had, at a meeting yesterday, requested Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) president Jais Abdul Karim, who had been appointed as an election observer by the EC, to submit information and to cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on this matter.

He said he had also been informed that a police report was made by Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Ramli Mohd Nor today to enable further investigation by the police.

“In this regard, the EC reminds all parties to comply with all campaigning laws, rules and ethics during the official campaign period by not implementing activities such as government programmes, giving out gifts and goods, and using facilities and government assets to win votes.

“If such campaign activities take place, action may be taken under the Election Offences Act 1954 or other relevant laws,” he said.

Azhar said there had also been a report of parties raising sensitive racial and religious issues.

“The EC also reminds everyone that campaigns touching on sensitive racial issues are an offence under Section 4A of the Election Offences Act 1954, while those that touch on religious sensitivities are an offence under Section 9 of the act,” he said.

Recently, top PH leaders such as Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu and Pahang PKR chief and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Fuziah Salleh had been accused of using government assets to campaign in the Cameron Highlands by-election.

They have since denied the allegations.