THIRTY-FIVE election offences were recorded in the Semenyih polls, with Pakatan Harapan committing 21, said Bersih 2.0 today.

The total is the highest number of offences committed in six by-elections since the 14th general election last year.

In Semenyih, Barisan Nasional committed 13 offences, while one case involved an unknown individual.

No offences were committed by Parti Sosialis Malaysia and independent candidate Kuan Chee Heng, the electoral watchdog told a press conference in Petaling Jaya.

“It is by far, with 35 cases, the highest number of offences recorded just by Bersih,” said chairman Thomas Fann.

The cases included acts of undue influence, treating and gifts (5), political violence, intimidation and harassment (2), promoting ill-will or hostility using race and religion in campaigning (3), and problems on polling day (17).

All five cases of treating and gifts were committed by PH, he said.

“They were found to be giving out free porridge to mosque goers and engine oil to motorcyclists on several occasions. Food was also served at some PH ceramah.

“We also noted an increase of undue influence by the government. PH was reported to be handing out letters of offer for a housing programme for the hardcore poor to voters.

“Several ministers and the Selangor menteri besar (Amirudin Shari) were found announcing or handing out special allocations to upgrade clinics, hospital, police stations, halls and mosques in Semenyih.”

Fann said these included the announcement by Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad on the government’s plans to build a new clinic in Semenyih and improve facilities at Kajang Hospital when asked by reporters on February 25. 

Fann said the government could make announcements and promises during a by-election but the news should not be exclusive to the constituency where the by-election takes place. 

As for promoting ill-will or hostility using race and religion, the three cases recorded were committed by BN.

The first was by BN secretary-general Nazri Abdul Aziz who accused PH of giving up the rights of Malays to other races by appointing non-Malays as chief justice, attorney-general and finance minister. 

The second was remarks by Umno acting president Mohamad Hasan who said Malays felt like visitors in their own country as there are too many “penumpang” (passengers) in Parliament, in reference to non-Malay MPs.

“And civility took a hit when the Puchong Umno division chief Mohamed Satim DIman equated the deaths of four Selangor assemblymen as a divine sign.”

Bersih will submit its observation report and recorded offences to the Election Commission, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and police.

Fann also suggested police be more proactive by updating the public when reports on election offences are lodged and the status of investigations. – March 8, 2019.