Govt welcomes reports on abuse of state resources during polls

 

PARLIAMENT | The public is urged to report abuse of government machinery for electioneering, the Dewan Rakyat was told.

In a written reply, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said said that members of the administration have a responsibility to perform their duties, even during election season.

"The government is always mindful of feedback by all parties, not only during elections but all the time to ensure that ministerial or government agency responsibilities are fulfilled."

However, she said the public can lodge reports to enforcement agencies over election offences.

"Reports will allow investigations by the authorities. The Election Commission requires the cooperation of all political parties, government agencies, NGOs, and others to ensure the smooth election process," said Azalina.

She was responding to a question from Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN-Bachok) who asked if the government would stop the use of schools, government vehicles, and helicopters during an election campaign.

In August, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was criticised for using a government-owned AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter with the tail sign 9M-JPM to attend election campaign events.

Anwar argued that this was his entitlement as prime minister and that he was attending a government event.

Azalina Othman Said

Meanwhile, Azalina told Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) that Putrajaya was currently engaging several stakeholders over a new mechanism to appoint the chief commissioner of the MACC.

“Proposals to improve the mechanism will involve amendments to the Federal Constitution and the MACC Act 2009,” he said.

Takiyuddin had asked if Putrajaya will fulfil Pakatan Harapan’s 2022 election pledge to subject nominees for MACC chief to vetting by a parliamentary select committee.

Currently, the MACC chief is appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister. - Mkini