THE government will not interfere in the affairs of the Election Commission, but hopes that the commission will take steps to ensure elections are free and fair, said Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Department Hanipa Maidin today.

Hanipa said this following findings by polls watchdog Bersih 2.0 yesterday that both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan had committed elections offences during the recent Sungai Kandis by-election.

Bersih urged the EC to investigate and take legal action on the complaints to defend free, clean, and fair elections.

It added that perpetrators should be brought to court to stop electoral fraud and bribery.

Hanipa said the EC should take action without fear or favour, and added that the Prime Minister’s Department was committed to ensure that the EC conducts each election in a fair and just manner.

“I hope any criticism given by any party, including Bersih, will be taken heed of by the EC without fear or favour.

“I would also like to state that our ministry will never intervene in the duties, roles, and responsibilities of the EC,” he said in a brief statement.

In its report on the Sungai Kandis by-election, Bersih 2.0 said the eventual winner, Zawawi Ahmad Mughni from PH, and BN’s Lokman Noor Adam, both violated election regulations during the campaigning period from July 21 to August 4.

Bersih executive director Yap Swee Seng said the offences committed included the abuse of government assets and programmes and handing out goodies to influence voters.

During the by-election campaign, Bersih 2.0 said Zawawi’s campaign involved activities like giving out free motorcycle engine oil to bikers and providing free medical check-ups and medicine to residents.

The electoral reform group also said Zawawi had abused government assets and events in at least four cases, campaigning for support in two public schools and at three government events, while several ministers were found to have used official cars to get to nomination centres.

Lokman, meanwhile, was found to have committed an election offence by treating potential voters to food and drinks on two occasions.

Bersih also said race and religious sentiments were played up to canvass for support in Lokman’s campaign. – August 19, 2018.