ELECTORAL watchdog Bersih has questioned the Selangor government’s hosting of a Raya open house in Kuala Kubu Baharu during election time.

The Bersih steering committee said such an event could be in conflict with many provisions in the Election Offences Act 1954 (AKPR).

“Any political parties or candidates who contest in this by-election should not organise any open house because it could be in conflict with AKPR,” it said in a statement today.

Bersih said all parties running for the seat, especially the Selangor and federal governments, must comply with campaign ethics for a clean and fair election.

It was referring to Selangor’s open house to be held in KKB tomorrow after the nomination of the by-elecyion candidates.

“Bersih is questioning the location and timing of this open house because this event is being organised in the area where a by-election is held.”

Bersih said the event programme showed that food would be served and duit raya would be distributed.

“Giving or serving food during the election period is an offence under Section 8 (Banquet) and giving duit raya is an offence under Section 10 (Bribery).

“Selangor needs to be aware that due to the organisation of this open house using state government resources, they need to ensure that the event is not used as a platform to introduce candidates, putting up flags and campaigning for their candidates.”

Hulu Selangor Bersatu acting chief Khairul Azhari Saut will represent Perikatan Nasional while Pakatan Harapan has picked Pang Sock Tao to stand in the KKB by-election. Other parties have yet to indicate their participation.

Polling day is May 11. The by-election was called following the death of the assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong.

Bersih said the use of government resources during the by-election must comply with the “3C” principle of “No conditions, no campaign, and no candidate”. – April 26, 2024.