Bar politicians accused of graft from contesting in polls – PAS Ulama

 

PAS MUKTAMAR | The government should tighten the conditions for candidates to contest in elections, PAS Dewan Ulama said.

According to its chief Ahmad Yahya (above), new rules should be imposed, including disqualifying individuals who have issued statements detrimental to the country's harmony or questioned the special privileges enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

"The same should apply to those who are on trial for abuse of power, corruption and misappropriating public funds. They should not be given a chance to contest (in the election) as we are worried they may use their position to avoid being tried (for their misdeeds).

"In this aspect, we hope that graft cases involving political party leaders can be expedited in court so that the ‘cleansing’ of political leaders can be done in an effective manner," Ahmad said in his speech during the PAS Dewan Ulama muktamar in Guar Chempedak, Kedah, today.

Ahmad was responding to the government's move to pass the anti-hopping bill recently.

According to Ahmad, the amendments (to the bill) would not only bring change to individuals and political parties but also transform the country's political ecosystem at large.

Vote for ‘clean’ candidates

"Voters also play a role in ensuring support is given to really 'clean' candidates in an election.

"The PAS Dewan Ulama is of the opinion that the amendments should be widened to include the integrity of political parties and candidates contesting in an election.

“We should strive for democratic maturity," he added. - Mkini