PETALING JAYA: Politicians say they follow election laws during election campaigns, but a few former candidates have admitted that there is always a tendency to overspend in order to win.
They said one way to help candidates spend within the legal limit under the Election Act is to allow government-owned media to give equal coverage to all parties and candidates.
A former candidate who contested in Selangor said it is tough to contest and spend within the limits set by the Election Commission (EC).
“Sourcing for funds is already hard, but keeping the expenditure under control is the big headache. There is so much cost – such as for publicity and even fees to the local council,” said the source from Pakatan Harapan.
A parliamentary candidate from Pakatan said they were told to hold fundraisers.
“That is why the party’s campaign is lacking in terms of paraphernalia because most of the campaigning materials have to be bought by the candidates.
“The party leadership always stresses spending within the limit, but it is hard when a candidate has to hire their own media team and pay other costs,” the source said.
Perikatan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Mohamad Sanusi Md Nor said PAS always has ensured that its candidates do not go to extremes when campaigning.
“Our party funds are from the donations of members, supporters, candidates and special funds we have set aside for elections. The deposits for the candidates are usually borrowed and paid back after the elections.
“In Perikatan, each component party takes care of its own expenses,” he added.
Negri Sembilan Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said the party has always ensured that all its candidates, whether they win or lose, file their expenses with the EC on time.
“No amount will be enough for campaigning as everyone will want to spend more so long as they win. That is why there are limits.”
PKR communications director Lee Chean Chung said during any election, the party issues advisories to adhere to the cost allowed.
“It’s important for the candidates to come clean, declare and do not reach the threshold (of the spending for election). We also check with the candidate if they are on board with the Political Funding Bill and have zero doubts about their source of funding,” he said.
Former Petaling Jaya Selatan PKR MP and Bersih chairman Maria Chin Abdullah said the government should allow candidates from across the political divide coverage on public news outlets to reduce their expenses.
“This would help candidates from overspending and provide a level playing field for everyone, especially new faces,” she added.
