PUTRAJAYA: Tan Sri Azam Baki, the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), has reiterated the importance of political parties being mindful of their activities during elections to avoid accusations of corruption. Speaking at the launch of body cameras for MACC enforcement personnel, Azam emphasized that this advice applies to everyone involved in the election process, including candidates, agents, followers, supporters, and political parties. He stated that as an anti-graft officer, it is his responsibility to constantly remind people of this. He also assured that if there are any complaints, the MACC will take action.
In preparation for the upcoming elections, the MACC has established operation centers in the six states where the elections will be held. These centers serve as a platform for the public to lodge reports on alleged wrongdoings and corruption related to the election. Azam highlighted that the MACC headquarters will evaluate and act upon the information or complaints received.
Despite the opening of the operation centers, no reports have been lodged so far. When asked about the need for specific guidelines on giving aid and assistance during elections, Azam stated that the Election Offences Act 1954 already addresses these concerns. He pointed out that Section 10 of the Act clearly outlines the do’s and don’ts during elections and expressed his belief that there is no necessity for additional guidelines.
However, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man called on the MACC to provide clear guidelines on what constitutes bribery in an election. He argued that consistent guidelines are needed to ensure that political parties adhere to acceptable practices during their campaign activities. This request comes in response to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s recent announcement at an event in Dungun, Terengganu. Ahmad Zahid had approved an allocation and encouraged attendees to vote for the “blue and red wave,” indicating a potential increase in the allocation depending on the election outcome. Some have criticized this announcement as vote-buying, but Azam clarified that there is no corruption involved when the government awards grants and that such initiatives should not be seen as a form of vote-buying.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
