PUTRAJAYA: Government activities in constituencies with upcoming elections must not violate the Election Offences Act.
If taken to court, Election Commission (EC) chairman Azhar Azizan Harun said, the authorities must show that these are not attempts to fish for votes.
“If the activities are used to fish for votes, then it becomes an issue,” he said in response to a question on cabinet ministers visiting the Semenyih state constituency.
“The government must be able to justify its activities if it is were brought to court.”
Azhar, who announced the appointment of six new election commissioners at the EC headquarters here today, said campaigning ethics were outlined in the Election Offences Act.
“In the past, the Act was never executed, but we are now creating awareness and the results are based on the Port Dickson and Cameron Highlands by-elections.
“People in Semenyih are already aware (of the election laws) because there is a summons filed by a voter against the EC.
“This system has been in existence since independence.
“Therefore, we must understand the functions and the responsibilities of an institution before making any accusations.”
He urged the public to come forward if they had any grouses as it is could used as a lesson in the future.
He also made it clear that his opinion was not relevant in court.
It was reported that several cabinet ministers, including Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik and Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun had visited Semenyih since last week.
On the EC’s preparations for the Semenyih by-election, he said the commission was “100 per cent” ready.
“With a budget of RM1.8 million and 992 EC officers, we are 100 per cent ready.
“We will visit the nomination centres today.
“We will also continue to remind the candidates and the political parties to always obey the rules and regulations.
“We want a clean and fair election. Action will be taken if offences are committed under the Election Offences Act.”
EC has set March 2 as the polling date. Tomorrow is nomination day and early voting will be on Feb 26.