Kota Kinabalu: The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) urged Sabahans to firmly reject money politics and that it came across nearly 50 incidents that may be regarded as election offences.
“Most of the reported offences involve treating, giving of gifts and goods — including food baskets, household items, and other forms of handouts such as free motorcycle fuel programmes — to influence voters through bribery and inducements.
“Although often disguised as ‘assistance’ or ‘welfare initiatives,’ such giveaways during the campaign period amount to inducement that undermines the integrity of the election,” they said in a statement, Tuesday.
Bersih claimed numerous incidents where federal and state government organisations and programmes were used for political purposes.
These include the distribution of aid through government agencies, the awarding of land grants to citizens by candidates from the ruling state party, announcements of allocations and the use of official government programmes to promote specific candidates.
These actions not only grant an unfair advantage to the incumbent, but also blur the crucial line between government duties and party campaigning.
Bersih’s monitors also received reports of direct vote-buying attempts, whether in the form of cash or promises of certain benefits in exchange for political support.
Such practices constitute serious violations of election laws and insult the dignity of voters, who have the right to make choices freely without bribes.
Bersih reminds all political parties and voters that giving money to influence votes is an offence under Section 10 on Bribery, Election Offences Act 1954.
Even treating and giving items of value can be prosecuted under Part III Section 8 on Treating of the same Act. Those found guilty may face imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to RM5,000.
The government, it said, must urgently amend the Election Offences Act, and the Election Commission (SPR) must be given compound powers to take swift action against perpetrators of money politics.
Sabah must no longer allow temporary financial gains and handouts to cloud voter judgment, as the state’s political future depends on responsible leaders who can ensure the long-term wellbeing of the people.
Politics that treats votes as transactional rewards while failing in core responsibilities will only continue to damage the aspirations of Sabahans.
