AID, such as rice or donation to the poor, is not a bribe but travel allowance for voters is deemed graft, said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

Deputy chief commission (operations) Azam Baki said offering inducement to voters in the form of cash or gifts is bribery, according to a report in The Star Online today.

“For example, if a voter was offered an allowance to go back and vote, or paid RM50 so that he or she votes for a particular candidate,” said Azam.

The graft-buster, however, said genuine aid like rice or donations would not constitute bribery.

Election pledges are also not considered bribery, he added.

“During the campaign period, political parties will usually make all kinds of promises, such as to build more houses. This is not bribery.”

Azam said the MACC and the police will set up a a unit to monitor graft activity during the 14th general election. 

“If the team receives any report from the public, such cases will be investigated under the Election Commission Act, Anti-Corruption Act and Penal Code,” he was quoted as saying. 

He said MACC will also not seek amendments to the law to make it mandatory for candidates to declare their assets. – September 2, 2017.