The Malaysian Insight

ELECTORAL watchdog Bersih 2.0 has identified 10 major election offences in the recently concluded Port Dickson by-election.

The bulk of the offences was committed by PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim who won the elections by 23,560 votes.

Among Anwar’s six identified wrongdoings included the free tuition proposal, free concert at his operations room, a dinner organised for him and his appearance at an army event with Defence Minister Mohammad Sabu. 

There were also four offences committed by PAS, which included a giveaway of prizes during a lucky draw, free mooncakes and halal bah kut teh treats. 

On polling day on October 13, Bersih said all parties committed electoral offences, including setting up booths at all polling centres and supporters entering the polling centres.

Bersih 2.0 executive director Yap Swee Seng said parties, especially the ruling party, should take more precautions when it comes to electoral matters like the appearance of ministers. 

“Ministers should be neutral. The government asset belongs to the people. They should service all and not a single political party.

“There must a separation of power on government functions and political party activities. There should be administrative neutrality,” he said at a press conference today. 

Yap added that Bersih will present a report to the Election Commission for further action.

“We will be launching this report to EC. So, we let the EC consider proper action.”

However, he said the EC currently has no power to investigate and prosecute, which makes it a toothless tiger. 

“One of the solutions is for the EC to have investigative powers,” Yap said, adding that the only power to investigate electoral offences lies with the police. 

Bersih also urged the EC to come out with clear guidelines on election campaigning to prevent further abuse of the system.

“There needs to be clear guidelines on what can or cannot be done. What constitutes an abuse of government assets. 

“One of our suggestions is to come out with guidelines on election campaigning,” Yap said.

The EC also earned praises from Bersih for being proactive in this by-election, especially with new chairman Azhar Harun on the ground. 

“The EC chairperson Azhar Harun instructed election officers to take action against party supporters campaigning outside the SK Teluk Kemang polling centre,” Yap said.

Anwar received a total of 31,016 votes, while his closest rival, Mohd Nazari Mokhtar (PAS), received 7,456 votes.

Former Negri Sembilan menteri besar Isa Samad, who contested as an independent, placed third with 4,203, losing his deposit.

The four other independents, including Anwar’s former aide Saiful Bukhari Azlan, Stevie Chan, Lau Seck Yan and Kan Chee Yuen, all lost their deposits. – October 26, 2018.