THREE electoral reform and transparency groups have called on the public to report any breaches of the rules during the Cameron Highlands by-election.

Leaders of Bersih, ENGAGE and Tindak Malaysia said they will work together to deploy 26 observers during the campaigning and voting period of the by-election, from January  12 to 26.

“We reiterate our call on the public, to report to us, especially those on the ground, to inform us of any statements of inducing voters in any form.

“We will do our part with our experience, but we want the public to inform us or the Election Commission as soon as possible,” the groups said in a joint press conference today.

Bersih executive director Yap Swee Seng, ENGAGE’s Ng Wan Hua, Tindak Malaysia’s Alexzander Johnson and Bersih Steering Committee member Danesh Chacko urged witnesses to election irregularities or offences to lodge complaints to Bersih. 

“We warn all candidates and political parties contesting the Cameron Highlands by-election to keep away from election offences.”

The groups said candidates must not use government resources in their activities, and should refrain from using racial and religious topics in their campaigning.

“We hope that their campaigning activities are based on their election manifesto, as in what kinds of service they can give to the people if they are selected as the MP, also to always follow and obey the Electoral (Offences) Act, and try not to break any of the laws and rules,” they said.

The Cameron Highlands by-election was called after an election court found in November that Barisan Nasional had participated in vote-buying and corrupt practices by offering money to the Orang Asli to win the seat.

Members of the public can lodge complaints to Bersih 2.0 by calling 03-7931 4444, 017-872 5418 or 017-872 5419, messaging on WhatsApp at 011 – 17721546 or postig on the website aduan.pemantau.org. – January 6, 2019.