PETALING JAYA: The Election Commission (EC) views seriously reports of alleged electoral offences by candidates contesting in the Cameron Highlands polls, says its chairman Azhar Azizan Harun.
According to Azhar, these include the use of a vehicle allegedly belonging to the Pahang Forestry Department and the use of racial and religious issues in electoral campaigns.
Regarding the use of a vehicle allegedly belonging to the Pahang Forestry Department, Azhar said that he has entrusted Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) president Jais Abdul Karim, who is also appointed as an observer in the Jan 26 polls, to forward the relevant information to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for further action.
“Besides that, the EC was also informed that a police report has been lodged by the Barisan Nasional candidate on Monday (Jan 21) to enable an investigation to be carried out by the police,” said Azhar in a statement.
The EC also reminded all parties to obey all laws, rules and ethics throughout the electoral campaign, adding that no one was allowed to organise banquets, give out gifts, or use government assets and facilities to garner support.
“If such activities are proven to have taken place, stern action can be taken in line with the Electoral Offences Act 1954 or any other relevant laws.”
Azhar, popularly known as Art Harun, said that the use of racial sentiments is an offence under Section 4A of the Electoral Offences Act, adding that the use of religious sensitivities in campaigns is also an offence under Section 9 of the same Act.
According to him, it is the responsibility of every candidate and political party to ensure that all campaigning activities are not against the law and will not raise any confusion among voters.
“The EC hopes that everyone will obey the law, rules and campaign ethics in the by-election to ensure that the electoral process is smooth and will not threaten public safety,” he added.
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