Mega projects not vote-buying, says EC

Announcements of mega projects during campaign period not an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954, says EC deputy chief Wan Ahmad Wan Omar.

KUALA BESUT: Election Commission deputy chief Wan Ahmad Wan Omar today said that mega project announcements by Umno-Barisan Nasional during the campaign period is not an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954.

In the run-up to today’s Kuala Besut by-election, BN has pledged a total RM467.12 million worth of development projects to the voters.

Election watchdog Bersih said that BN’s pledges meant that about RM19,000 are spent for each registered voter in the state seat.

Wan Ahmad denied the pledges were a form of vote buying, citing the example of the Sibu by-election in 2010 where Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak told a ceramah: “I help you, you help me”.

“When Najib said that, he said it in front of the people but not all of them were voters. Some just came to see Najib as their Prime Minister. That is not vote buying,” said Wan Ahmad.

When asked if the EC would amend laws to make political parties liable for overspending during an election, he said under the Westminster system, the EC should not place too much restrictions.

“Under the system, the rakyat have the right to be informed of such (project) announcements and it should not be argued by anyone.

“Let the voters themselves evaluate what is best for their future. Freedom of information is granted and if we place too many restrictions, voters can’t decide,” he said.

FMT yesterday reported that RM476 million worth of development projects have been announced during the Kuala Besut by-election making it the highest budget announcement in election history.

Responding to this today, Wan Ahmad said the claim was just perception and refused to elaborate further.

When asked to comment on PAS’ action to give away free petrol to motorcyclists during the last day of campaign period, Wan Ahmad said he was not informed of the matter and will let the police investigate.