The Malaysian Insight

THE Rantau by-election will see the Election Commission scrutinise booths set up by parties ostensibly to help voters on polling day.

The move comes after numerous complaints on parties and their candidates using such booths to harass voters and canvass last-minute votes in previous polls.

The decision to monitor these booths was made at a recent closed-door EC meeting, where such practices, which go against electoral laws, were discussed.

An EC insider told The Malaysian Insight that the booths, popularly known as “pondok panas” and “barong”, will now be under officials’ close watch on polling day.

The source said parties initially used these booths to help voters verify their registration and voting station information.

“But they are now being used to canvass votes on polling day. Election monitors have also reported that some of these booths were used to identify voters.”

Section 26 (1)(e) prohibits identifying or soliciting voters within 50m of polling stations, while Section 26 (1)(f) bars canvassing votes on polling day.

Those caught breaking Section 26 are liable to a fine not exceeding RM5,000, or imprisonment of one year, or both.

The source said booths by parties to aid voters are unnecessary as there are ample EC workers on polling day.

“On top of that, the EC also sends cards to voters to inform them of the location of their polling stations.

“These booths are really unnecessary, and create an intimidating atmosphere for voters.”

The source said Rantau by-election candidates will be given “Surat Akujanji” (a letter of undertaking) on nomination day to sign, warning them against having such booths on polling day.

“Letters will be sent to the contesting parties and independent candidates about this.”

Another source told The Malaysian Insight that the EC is concerned about the number of offences committed during recent by-elections.

He said the high number has marred the image of the electoral process in Malaysia and made a mockery of the Election Offences Act 1954.

Election watchdog Bersih 2.0 recorded 23 and 35 offences in the Cameron Highlands and Semenyih by-elections, respectively.

Among the offences noted were racial and religious incitement, abuse of state resources, bribery, undue influence and campaigning on polling day.

Most of the offences occurred on polling day, said election observers.

As the EC has no enforcement powers, it will have to lodge police reports and rely on the force to act on its behalf against offenders. – March 27, 2019.