CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The Election Commission (EC) takes a serious view of reports that certain quarters contesting in the Cameron Highlands by-election are doing so in a manner that infringes on the law, regulations and ethics.
EC chairman Azhar Azizan Harun said these included using government assets as well as playing up sensitive racial and religious issues during the campaign period which entered its 10th day today.
Azhar said he had held a meeting with Malaysia Corruption Watch (MCW) president Jais Abdul Karim in his capacity as an election observer.
“This is to submit information and cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on the matter for further action to be taken,” he said.
“In addition, the EC has also been informed that a police report has been lodged by the Barisan Nasional candidate.
“This is to enable further investigations to be carried out.”
Azhar said the EC wanted to remind all quarters involved not to carry out activities such as providing food, drinks or gifts, and using government programmes, facilities and assets to garner votes.
Azhar said action could be taken against those who did so, inline with provisions in the Election Offences Act 1954 or related acts and legal provisions.
“At the same time, the EC would like to remind all quarters that campaigning based on racial lines amounts to an offence under section 4a of the Election Offences Act 1954,” he said.
“Campaigning by touching on religious sensitivies is inappropriate and amounts to an offence under Section 9 of the Election Offences Act 1954.”
Azhar said candidates were reminded to adhere to the candidate integrity pledge.
“The EC would like to thank all quarters for their concern and cooperation during the ongoing electoral process period.
“This awareness shows that Malaysia and its people want the process of conducting a transparent and fair election involving all parties,” he said.
