PAKATAN Harapan (PH) should not blackmail Cameron Highlands voters by saying that it will withhold development unless they voted for its candidate in the coming by-election, said polls watchdog Bersih 2.0 today.

It said that such tactics were reminiscent of Barisan Nasional (BN) under Najib Razak, which had consistently abused its incumbency while campaigning with the “You help me, I help you” approach in giving out development aid to constituencies.

“Such unethical methods should cease under New Malaysia and PH should not disappoint Malaysians by morphing into BN 2.0 with such electioneering methods,” said the Bersih 2.0 steering committee in a statement today.

Bersih 2.0 was referring to remarks reportedly attributed to Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng that voters in Cameron Highlands should vote for PH for development.

Lim reportedly said this during a visit to the Felda Sg Koyan night market yesterday.

“Although the Malaysian government has changed, but the Cameron Highlands (parliamentary) seat has not changed. Why not change this time? This is for the sake of development. If not, the development in the area will lag. But if there are no changes, then voters can change again in GE15,” the DAP secretary-general was reported as saying in Malaysiakini.

The Bersih steering committee said that Lim’s remarks hinted at withheld development and smacked of discrimination against opposition-held constituencies. It can also be considered as undue influence.

The latter, Bersih added, is an election offence under Section 9 of the Election Offences Act.

Bersih said Lim should clarify his remarks to Cameron Highlands’ voters immediately.

The watchdog said PH must make it clear if, as the federal government, it will discriminate against the constituency if voters did not vote in their candidate, or it will promise development regardless of who wins on polling day on January 26.

The polls watchdog also said ruling parties should compete on policies, performance and fulfillment of manifesto promises, instead of turning incumbency into basis of patronage to discriminating against opposition lawmakers, candidates and voters.

Bersih further reminded all parties to adhere to the existing laws with regard to elections as well as demonstrating higher ethical standards.

PH’s M. Manogaran will take on BN’s Ramli Mohd Nor and two independents in the by-election which was called after GE14 winner, BN’s C Sivarraajh, was found guilty of being involved in money politics and vote-buying to ensure his victory. – January 17, 2019.