CANDIDATES for Bersatu elections have been reminded not to resort to money politics and abuse of power to win votes.

Bersatu elections committee chairman Syed Hamid Albar said if there are reasonable complaints, the committee has the right to reject the candidacy of individuals involved and prevent them from contesting.

“I think they should be able to campaign in line with democratic practices but avoid flaunting wealth and practising money politics, and if they have power, do not abuse that power… the most important thing is don’t buy votes,” he said at a media conference today.

Syed Hamid said the candidates should also avoid sponsoring any party for Umrah or for holidays and so on.

“Not even for trips to nearby destinations like Bangkok, Manila… to play golf,” he added.

Syed Hamid also said former Umno members intending to contest in the party elections must first be a Bersatu member for at least a year.

To contest top party posts like chairman, president and deputy president, he said the individuals must be a party member for at least three years.

The Bersatu branch meetings are scheduled to be held from February 15 to March 29, followed by the divisional meetings on April 18 and the general assembly from June 25 to 28. – Bernama, January 22, 2020.