KUALA LUMPUR – An electoral reform watchdog has become the next group to criticise Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s allocation of RM5.21 million for Hulu Selangor, ahead of the imminent Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.
TindakMalaysia Network Services PLT director Danesh Prakash Chacko said the allocation could be perceived as bribery, despite it being announced before the election campaign.
“While the official campaign period has not started, such an announcement may potentially impact the voters of Kuala Kubu Baharu, and could be seen or interpreted as a form of bribery,” he said in a statement.
“This was compounded by the fact that (Nga) announced this special allocation during a working visit to Kuala Kubu Baharu, during a ministerial programme.”
Citing Section 10(a) of the Election Offences Act 1954, Danesh pointed out that a bribery offence includes every person who gives, lends, or agrees to procure any money or valuable for any voter – whether before, during, or after an election.
As such, he disagreed with Selangor DAP secretary Ng Sze Han’s explanation defending Nga where he said the allocation was a common practice and made before the campaign period.
At the same time, Danesh found that enforcing the section had challenges, as the Election Commission (EC) could not impose penalties on any individuals committing a corrupt practice.
“The Madani government should look into instituting caretaker government principles, where it would cease taking major policy decisions except for urgent matters.
“This may include a special code of conduct to be drafted by the EC, which applies to all members of the caretaker government. This code can be adopted for by-election purposes.”
Danesh also proposed a minor amendment to Section 11 of the Election Offences Act with a new subsection, as prosecution for corrupt practices can only be instituted by the public prosecutor.
He also called upon all Kuala Kubu Baharu voters to be “vigilant on all forms of corrupt practices” that could occur during the election, and report any offences to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
While announcing the RM5.21 million allocation for Hulu Selangor, Nga said it was because the location had “good feng shui” and was unrelated to the upcoming by-election on May 11.
His announcement was criticised by various quarters, including other NGOs such as Bersih and Engage, as well as political leaders including MCA’s Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker and Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau.
In response, Nga defended his statement, while also drawing attention to the opposition’s lack of achievements. He also said the “feng shui” comment was “just a harmless joke”. – April 20, 2024