| Bersih 2.0 chief Ambiga Sreenevasan says election promises are still a form of inducement, even though it is not direct handouts.
The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections said that while election handouts are a clear-cut case of corruption, the same should apply to election promises.
Disagreeing with Transparency International-Malaysia's statements that election promises are, though unethical, not a form of corruption, the coalition said that they are still a form of inducement.
“Clear reading of the Elections Offences Act shows that whenever there is an inducement for votes to vote for a particular party, no matter whether they are with funds or promises, that is an election offence...
NONE“I'm sorry but I disagree with Transparency International. I am disappointed that they take the view when they should uphold fair practices,” said former Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan, who now helms the coalition, named Bersih 2.0.
TI-M president Paul Low had earlier this morning said while election handouts are bribes, they are not too 'bothered' with election promises since they are just 'borderline'.
But this is refuted by Ambiga, who added: “Like the infamous saying now, 'you help me, I help you', that should be an offence.”
This was in reference to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's now immortal words uttered just on the eve of the Sibu by-election polls in May.
In his speech at Rejang Park, the premier promised that he would 'sign a cheque' for RM5 million in flood mitigation projects for the flood-prone area if the voters support the BN candidate.
At the same time, Ambiga said that it should also be an offence to 'punish' constituents if they are denied of development.
“That is already evident in trying to intimidate people into voting for them,” she told Malaysiakini.
“Ultimately, if the government goes to a constituency and make specific promise to that constituency which all constituencies should get specifically during election time, that would constitute vote-buying.
“People should be entitled to development whoever they vote for. If there is an instance where they don't vote for a particular party and they are prejudiced, that whole conduct is prohibited under the act,” she said.
Obvious difference when it comes to manifestos
However, she said that there should be an obvious difference between an election promise and a manifesto.
azlan“An election promise is by way of future projects, delivered only if someone votes for a particular party. But a manifesto is signed and it is your right to make,” she said.
She added that policies as outlined in a manifesto are in accordance with what a responsible government should do.
“But there is big difference between that and simply pouring in money to induce votes,” she said.
She also said that while the Election Commission should be further empowered to enforce election laws fully, they should prove their own mettle and open up their processes for observers.
“EC should accredit international observers. If they are sure that the processes are above board, they should allow international observers in,” said Ambiga. |
Comments