Bersih warns Malacca PN's Gerai Prihatin Rakyat may run foul of election law

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) has reminded all political parties of provisions under the Election Offences Act 1954 which came into force in Malacca with the dissolution of the state assembly.

The Bersih 2.0 steering committee said this is contrary to a common perception of the Act's starting date being on the first day of campaigning.

It further cited Malacca Perikatan Nasional's (PN) series of Gerai Prihatin Rakyat, an initiative offering goods at a discounted price, with the next session scheduled to be held in Kampung Jus Permai, Selandar, and Pantai Klebang on Saturday.

"Bersih 2.0 would like to remind that this type of activity is an election offence under Section 8 of the Act, involving the direct or indirect distribution of food, drinks or supplies, whether prior, during or after an election with the intention to secure votes.

"Even though the Gerai Prihatin Rakyat does not directly distribute food, drinks or supplies, the items were still sold at great discounts and this could influence voters in favour of candidates from the organising parties," the watchdog said in a statement today. 

Muhyiddin expected to launch sale

Social media posters for the Oct 30 session featured Malacca PN chairperson Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen (above), together with Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, who is expected to launch the sale.

Four selected items - 2kg potatoes, one whole chicken, one carton of eggs and one 200g Milo packet - will be sold for RM15 to one member from households earning below RM4,000.

According to the poster, the sale will be conducted via a drive-thru system and limited to the first 2,000 customers.

Bersih further warned organisers, including Rafiq, Muhyiddin and the company supplying the items, that the Election Offences Act provides for up to two years imprisonment or a fine of between RM1,000 and RM5,000.

"Bersih 2.0 urges all parties to uphold the spirit of clean and fair elections, as well as the spirit of the Act, to prevent any parties from securing votes through bribery," it added.

Various PN ministers and Bersatu leaders were previously seen in support of the Gerai Prihatin Rakyat initiative at other locations around Malacca, particularly since the dissolution of the state assembly on Oct 4. - Mkini