The electoral watchdog accuses the housing and local government ministry, and the rural and regional development ministry of repeatedly flouting election rules.
Bersih said its observers deployed at by-elections held in recent years and state elections in Sabah, Johor and Negeri Sembilan found several ministries frequently using government resources and machinery.
In a statement, it said the alleged offences took place especially after the dissolution of the state assembly and the announcement of seat vacancies.
“Our limited observations in most state constituencies in Johor and Negeri Sembilan showed that the ministries that frequently organised programmes or announced allocations during the election period were the housing and local government ministry, led by Nga Kor Ming, and the rural and regional development ministry, led by Ahmad Zahid Hamidi,” it said.
The group also claimed that government-run sales events such as Jualan Rahmah by the domestic trade and cost of living ministry, as well as Jualan Agro Madani by the agriculture and food security ministry, were used as avenues for political campaigning.
“Bersih found that such programmes were attended by candidates or politicians from the ruling party throughout the election period, which raises questions as to whether government resources and facilities were exploited to give political advantage to certain parties,” it said.
It also said it had received information that civil servants and students were instructed to take part in such events.
AI-fuelled hate campaigning, monarchy ‘dragged in’
Bersih expressed concerns over the increased use of excessive racial and religious sentiments in election campaigns, including through social media and content generated or doctored using artificial intelligence technology.
It also took issue with the royal institution being dragged into political campaigns, especially in the Negeri Sembilan election.
“Such actions have tarnished the reputation of the royal institution, which stands above partisan politics,” it said.
It called for urgent reforms to the Election Offences Act 1954, which were long overdue, including amendments to make the abuse of state resources and machinery during election periods an offence, and to mandate audits of election expenses.
It also called for stricter guidelines to address extreme racial politics and digital manipulation during campaigns, as well as greater powers for the Election Commission to issue compounds for compoundable election offences. - FMT
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