AYER KUNING POLLS | Electoral watchdog Bersih has reiterated concerns over the government's alleged violation of free and fair election principles during the Ayer Kuning by-election.
Urging the MACC to investigate potential political corruption involving government figures, Bersih stressed that any form of power abuse during elections not only tarnishes democracy, but also erodes public trust in the electoral system.
In particular, it pointed to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's April 12 remark that development projects in Ayer Kuning would proceed if the BN candidate secures a win at the polls.
Such a conditional announcement, the group said, constitutes a misuse of government resources to influence voters.
"This is an unethical tactic that should not be repeated by the Madani government, which claims to champion justice," Bersih said.
It also criticised Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu's handing out of 'duit raya' during a programme with the Farmers' Organisation Authority in Tapah during the campaign period for the by-election.
"Although this distribution was through a government agency, doing so during the campaign period and in the by-election area can be interpreted as an inducement to voters, potentially violating Section 10 of the Election Offences Act 1954," Bersih warned.
Lastly, it claimed that Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad's presence, alongside BN's Ayer Kuning aspirant, at an official government event held at the Tapah Sports Complex, indicates a misuse of government resources for campaign purposes.
It asserted that the government had contravened the fundamental principle of separating government from political parties while abusing the advantage of incumbency to provide an "unfair edge" to a specific candidate.
It also questioned the venue and timing of the event, highlighting that the Perak government should have been aware of its overlap with the by-election campaign period.
"Both state and federal governments must demonstrate a commitment to the principle of separation between party and administration by not exploiting public agencies or funds for election gains," Bersih emphasised.
Issue clear guidelines
The group called on the Election Commission to issue clear guidelines to the government and all involved parties to ensure that election campaigns are conducted fairly and cleanly.
Previously, Bersih had accused Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming of vote buying and power abuse over his announcement of an RM6.13 million allocation for development projects in the Tapah parliamentary constituency, which includes the Ayer Kuning state seat.
Perikatan Nasional had also urged the Perak government to detail the amount of public funds allegedly utilised to support BN’s bid for the state seat.
PAS lawmaker Misbahul Munir Masduki claimed that the state’s Strategic Communication Unit was "clearly seen" being used to assist the campaign for BN’s candidate.
Voters are set to go to the polls on April 26 to choose between BN candidate Yusri Bakir, PN’s pick Abd Muhaimin Malek and PSM hopeful Bawani KS.
Early voting is being conducted today. - Mkini
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