PAS Youth urges EC to end 'expensive' by-elections

PAS Youth has proposed that the Election Commission (EC) do away with by-elections, which are often “expensive” and a waste of public resources.

The party’s youth executive council member Suhaizan Kaiat said that every by-election involves massive cost to the contesting parties.

He cited a Malaysiakini report published yesterday that states at least RM15 million of taxpayer’s money was dished out by the federal government for the constituents in Sg Limau, who voted for their new assemblyperson on Monday.

“This amount does not include the manpower used during the 12-day election campaign, for example Election Commission officers, police, information department staff and election workers,” Suhaizan said in a statement.

“Wouldn’t it be good if all this energy and resources are channelled to those who are needy, for youths to start their own businesses, to improve infrastructure and education for children?” he asked.

Suhaizan (right) pointed out that political conflicts happens too often, especially in elections.

He added that focussing maximum resources and money just to achieve one’s political motives during elections will only lead to “narrow political mindedness”, instead of developing the nation.

During every by-election, local and national issues will be “sensationalised” and “sweeteners” provided when the same promises should be given to all regardless of political boundaries, Suhaizan said.

“It is better just to fix elections every five years, with the dates publicised to all, and not carry out a by-election when a representative dies,” he said.

‘Vacancy can be filled by party’s rep’

“The vacancy can be filled by the party’s representative, whether at Parliament or state level as based on past records of general elections, voters choose party instead of candidate,” he pointed out.

“This may need proper discussion among various parties but generally the voters may be able to accept the idea,” he claimed.

Suhaizan noted that past voting trends indicate that voters prefer to maintain the candidate from the same party they had voted for earlier.

He added that although this may not always happen, the situation is rare and had previously happened in Sibu and Kuala Terengganu.

He stressed that this method (of eliminating by-elections) will also save the family of the deceased assemblyperson the heartache of being dragged into political polemics during the by-election.

“Without a by-election, the EC, too can focus more on improving the general election, updating of the electoral roll, and act on all kinds of complaints lodged by citizens and groups like Bersih, to regain their credibility,” said Suhaizan.

In Sg Limau, PAS candidate Mohd Azam Samat, 37, won the by-election with a reduced majority of 1,084 votes against BN’s Ahmad Sohaimi Lazim, 53.

Azam, a religious school teacher, replaces former Kedah menteri besar Azizan Abdul Razak, who has helped PAS win the rural seat thrice.

PAS had held the seat for five terms since 1995.