MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki. – Bernama
UTRAJAYA: The nullification of the Kuala Terengganu GE15 parliamentary seat result should serve as a reminder to candidates to exercise care in their campaign activities, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner warned candidates in the upcoming six state elections not to engage in activities that could be constituted as corruption, adding that their officers are watching them closely.
He said that his officers were also monitoring the movements and activities of candidates' agents.
"MACC enforcement officers, with the cooperation of multiple agencies, are already on the ground to ensure this election is clean," he said when contacted on Friday (Aug 3).
Azam said that information would be channelled to the MACC's top officials within 24 hours for quick action.
"If there are elements of corruption, we will take immediate action, including making arrests," he said.
On June 27, the Terengganu Election Court annulled the victory of PAS' Datuk Amzad Hashim, who initially won the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat in November 2022.
Judge Mohd Firus Jaffril said the petitioner, Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Mohd Zubir Embong, succeeded in proving that corruption had taken place with the aim of influencing voters in the constituency.
A by-election is being held for the seat on Aug 12, which will be a straight fight between Ahmad Amzad and Azan Ismail of Pakatan Harapan.
Azam had earlier said that it was not necessary for the MACC to draw up guidelines on awarding aid and assistance during elections as the Election Offences Act clearly states the dos and don'ts.
