No misuse of govt assets reported in Pelangai by-election campaign: EC

BENTONG – The Election Commission (EC) has not received any complaints on election offences during the campaigning period for the Pelangai by-election so far.

EC chief Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh said this includes concerns about the misuse of assets and machinery for campaign purposes by any party, as previously alleged by PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

“Alhamdulillah, there have been no unwarranted complaints. We have also not received any complaints about the allegations of the misuse of government assets and machinery,” he told reporters after inspecting the preparations at the vote tallying centre for the by-election at the Felda Kemasul community hall here today.

Last Wednesday, Tuan Ibrahim called on the EC to investigate Barisan Nasional (BN) machinery for allegedly using state government assets and machinery, in addition to giving incentives to the people throughout the campaign period for the state by-election.

However, the claim was refuted by Pahang BN chief Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail yesterday, saying that Pahang BN is ready to be investigated by the EC.

On the preparations for the by-election, Ghani said all is running well and the EC expected the voter turnout to reach 75%.

“Since the Pelangai constituency is not that big or far, I expect the results will be known by 9pm,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the EC reminded all contesting parties to cease all forms of campaigning and vote-fishing activities outside the polling centres and through social media channels as soon as the campaign period ends at 11.59pm tonight.

“The EC also reminds that all contesting parties or candidates are prohibited from setting up or manning any booth on polling day as this constitutes an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954,” it said.

EC also advised voters to follow the recommended voting times and not wait until the very last minute, and employers to give their employees reasonable time to go out to vote as provided under the Election Offences Act 1954.

The Pelangai by-election sees a three-cornered fight between BN candidate Datuk Amizar Abu Adam, PN’s Kasim Samat and independent candidate Haslihelmy D.M. Zulhashi.

The by-election is being called following the death of its incumbent, Datuk Seri Johari Harun from BN, who was killed in the Elmina plane crash in Shah Alam on August 17. – October 6, 2023