THE Election Commission (EC) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must look into PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s admission that money was distributed to voters on election day last year, said Bersih ex-chairman Maria Chin Abdullah.

She said Putrajaya must review election laws to prevent transgression during polls.

The activist told The Malaysian Insight it is shocking that someone of Hadi’s stature does not understand election laws, especially the meaning of vote buying.

Maria was commenting on Hadi’s admission that money was given to voters, which he said is not an offence as the act was not done by election candidates or their representatives during the general election last year.

Hadi described the act as “sedekah” (charity), which he claimed does not violate any laws.

“It’s really shocking that someone like Hadi cannot understand the election laws, especially the meaning of vote buying. He cannot justify the payment of cash during the election campaign period as an act of charity,” Maria said.

Maria, who once headed Bersih – an election watchdog – was among several civil right activists detained under the Security Offences and Special Measures Act 2012 (Sosma) for holding street rallies, during which they demanded free and fair elections.

Maria said the EC and MACC must take responsibility over Hadi’s remarks, adding that for far too long, the two institutions have washed their hands of dealing with corrupt practices before and during election campaigns.

“This is where we need to review the election laws so as to tighten against any transgression in election offences. Parliament needs to establish a select committee on electoral reforms and be serious in its reform agenda to end corruption and non-transparency in elections.

“An annual EC report needs to be submitted like Suhakam (Malaysian Human Rights Commision) does, which is debated in parliament to achieve better governance,” she explained.

Hadi’s remark on the alleged vote buying shocked many quarters. Yesterday, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the PAS president had used Islam for his own benefit by constantly changing fatwa to suit his interests.

“When we give money it is bribery, but when PAS gives out cash it is charity,” Zahid said after attending MCA’s Chinese New Year open house today.

According to Hadi, existing rules only prohibit candidates and their representatives from giving cash to voters.

“According to election law, a candidate or a candidate’s representative cannot give out cash. It is up to the public to give alms,” Hadi said.

Umno information chief Isham Jalil also slammed Hadi’s attempt to legitimise bribing voters. Isham said any act of giving money to voters is bribery.

Maria said the unity government must pursue electoral reforms to level the playing field for all contesting parties.

“While these may need constitutional amendments, it’s not an excuse not to do so,” she added.

Issue swept under carpet

Agreeing with Maria was Iman Research programme director Badrul Hisyam Ismail, who said the government should look into election laws to address vote buying.

Badrul said since independence, not one government has managed to address vote-buying allegations nor taken the matter seriously.

“Last time, it was PAS who accused Umno of vote buying, now it is its (PAS’) turn to do it. The only difference is that it admitted giving out cash but justified it as charity.

“Those days, PAS did not have the money, but last year it had plenty as it was part of the government. But this issue is nothing new, it has been happening for years.

“Not one government has addressed the issue and reviewed the laws. It was pushed aside whenever a party tried to bring this matter up,” said Badrul.

Earlier this month, Terengganu Umno filed a petition to annul general election results for the Kuala Terengganu, Marang and Kemaman constituencies, which were all won by PAS.

The petition was filed at the Kuala Terengganu High Court on January 3, in accordance with the Election Offences Act 1954.

Terengganu Umno Liaison chief Ahmad Said said the petition alleged PAS had paid voters from state government coffers over a three-day period from November 15, under the auspices of the i-Pension, i-Belia and i-Student initiatives. – January 23, 2023.