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GEORGE TOWN – Lawmakers in the northern region have proposed a strong inter-agency task force to deter money politics during the six state elections later this year.
PKR’s Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong said the authorities should include the Election Commission’s (EC) enforcement unit, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and police.
He added that the task force could be headed by a former EC senior officer with experience conducting state elections.
“Every time an election is held, there is this loud chatter about the presence of money politics.
“There are laws but the culprits continue to get away with it. The last (federal) election was an example.”
He told The Vibes that the task force could investigate all claims of money politics in the six states and penalise offenders on the spot.
Currently, election laws limit RM200,000 for each parliamentary seat candidate and RM100,000 for each state constituency candidate.
Ong added that political parties should be driven by a strong code of ethics by ensuring that non-controversial candidates are fielded.
His views were supported by Indera Kayangan assemblyman Gan Ay Ling, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee and former Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin.
Gan said there needs to be a campaign to educate voters about the rights and wrongs during an election.
And having a task force to monitor the conduct is a good idea, she said, adding that it is best to provide an impression that elections in the country are fair and transparent.
“It is a big plus point for investors to ensure that the best candidates can triumph. I think voters generally want a clean election and for qualified candidates to win without the scourge of bribery.”
Lee went one step further, saying that the EC needs to eradicate money politics by incorporating new laws.
He said that forming a task force is inadequate, suggesting that the Election Offences Act 1954 needs to be amended so offences are clearly defined.
He added that setting a spending limit was not seen as effective, as evident from claims of widespread corruption in the last general election.
Meanwhile, Zahidi said the task force can be deployed to not just the ceramah circuit but to monitor proceedings in operation centres of political parties to prevent any voter inducement.
“An election is to pick the best candidates, one who can provide the best solutions to our plight. It should not become a platform for anyone to make money – be it the candidates or the voters.”
Zahidi said he will support the formation of the task force if it can effectively reduce money politics.
The heads of government of Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu had recently agreed to consider dissolving their respective assemblies in the last two weeks of June. – The Vibes, March 1, 2023