KUALA LUMPUR – The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections 2.0 (Bersih) has raised concerns over the Selangor government’s decision to host an Aidilfitri open house, as it may constitute an electoral offence.
In a statement, the electoral watchdog said the location and timing of the open house could potentially violate the provisions outlined in the Election Offences Act 1954 (AKPR).
“Based on the programme brochure we received, various celebration activities will be held, such as feasts and giving out “duit raya”.
“Providing or hosting meals during the election period is an offence under Section 8 (feasting), and giving out duit raya is an offence under Section 10 (bribery),” said the group in a statement.
Bersih also urged the Selangor government to ensure that the event does not serve as a platform for promoting candidates from the ruling party or engaging in campaign activities.
“Furthermore, the Selangor government should also be aware that because this open house event is using state government resources, they need to ensure that the event is not used as a platform to introduce candidates from the ruling party.
It also told the administration to refrain from displaying flags and other campaign material to support its candidate.
Bersih said the use of government resources during small-scale elections such as the upcoming by-election in Kuala Kubu Baharu must adhere to the 3C principles, namely, no conditions, no campaign, and no candidate.
The organisation also reminded all political parties and candidates to refrain from organising such open house events, as it also contravened the AKPR.
The Selangor government recently shared an open invitation to the public to join its Riuh Raya open house at Kuala Kubu Baharu tomorrow (April 27).
The invitation flyer also carried a picture of Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who was donning a purple-coloured baju Melayu.
Yesterday, Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin unveiled 54-year-old Khairul Azhari Saut as the coalition’s pick for the upcoming by-election.
Earlier, Pang Sock Tao, an aide to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, was designated as the candidate by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke on Wednesday.
While the by-election slated for May 11 is anticipated to primarily pit PN against the unity government, another contender from the Muda-Parti Sosialis Malaysia electoral alliance is expected to enter the competition.
Kuala Kubu Baharu, once a stronghold of MCA, has been under DAP’s control for the past three elections since 2013, when DAP’s Lee Kee Hiong clinched victory by a margin of over 1,700 votes against her Barisan Nasional opponent.
Lee successfully defended the seat in the 2018 general election, defeating MCA once again, this time by 7,134 votes.
However, Lee died on March 21, 2024, paving the way for the by-election. – April 26, 2024