Stop announcing new policies, projects, Johor caretaker govt told

 

Hasni Mohammad recently announced the Johor Agro-Food Policy 1.0, which Bersih said is against the principles of clean and fair elections. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Electoral reform group Bersih has slammed the Johor caretaker state government for continuing to announce new policies, projects and grants, saying this is against the principles of clean and fair elections.

“An interim government cannot announce new policies and provisions in the form of grants, nor officiate launching ceremonies and sign important agreements that would bind the new government,” it said in a statement today.

The group was referring to the announcement of the Johor Agro-Food Policy 1.0 made by caretaker menteri besar Hasni Mohammad recently.

“In countries with developed and mature democratic political systems, like Australia and the United Kingdom, there are interim government guidelines which aim to ensure the state and federal governments behave appropriately during the election period,” it said.

According to Bersih, the announcement of projects, policies and provisions by the caretaker menteri besar and a federal government minister was a form of incentive which gave the government party and candidates an unfair advantage.

Bersih urged the federal and state governments to introduce guidelines or laws governing the conduct of the interim government.

“This is to ensure an equal, competitive, fair and clean election for all parties and candidates,” it said. - FMT