Bersih raises concerns over use of govt assets ahead of Johor polls

 

Bersih has raised concerns over the alleged misuse of government assets by state and federal administrations ahead of the Johor polls.

In a statement yesterday, the electoral watchdog’s steering committee highlighted several recent incidents, including:

• RTM’s broadcast of a Pakatan Harapan ceramah on June 15;

• The distribution of 3,000 free RM50 Komuter Madani Shuttle Selatan cards announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke on June 16;

• The launch of the Johor Economic Transformation Plan by caretaker menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi on June 18, and

• The statewide distribution of “Bakul Kasih Johor” aid packages.

While acknowledging that such initiatives may benefit the public, Bersih said their rollout during the election period raised serious concerns about the fairness of the contest.

“Best democratic practices demand that the announcement of new policies, the launch of large-scale programmes, the distribution of aid, and the use of government assets that could provide political benefits to any party be stopped as soon as the state assembly is dissolved.

“The caretaker state government, as well as the federal government, should refrain from making announcements of aid, projects, and distribution of aid during the election period,” it asserted.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke (third from right) and Johor caretaker menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi (third from left) holding mock Komuter Madani cards at the launch of Shuttle Selatan in Kulai, June 16.

The concerns came after the Johor state assembly was dissolved on June 1 ahead of the state’s 16th election, with polling set for July 11.

Malaysiakini has sought comments from RTM, Loke, and Onn.

Reminder of nullified election result

Bersih also pointed to the 2023 election petition involving the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat, in which the election court nullified the victory of the elected MP.

Among the grounds cited by the court was the distribution of financial aid through the state government’s i-Belia and i-Student programmes before the 15th general election, which the judge found contained elements of bribery.

Citing the case, Bersih said programmes involving vouchers, cash aid, food packs, and similar benefits could potentially fall within offences under sections eight and 10 of the Election Offences Act 1954, which deal with treating and bribery.

The group also renewed its call for amendments to the Act, arguing that provisions should be expanded to explicitly prohibit the use of government assets, funds, institutions, and resources to gain an advantage during election campaigns.

“As long as these weaknesses are not corrected, the misuse of government assets will continue to recur regardless of who holds power, and the ambition to create a truly clean and fair electoral system will remain an unfulfilled promise,” it said. - Mkini