An election watchdog today claimed that vote-buying was prevalent in the run-up to Saturday's Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election.

The National Institute for Electoral Integrity (NIEI) also highlighted the abuse of government machinery and complained about the overwhelming presence of police personnel.

NIEI chairperson Yunus Ali, in lamenting that corruption had become institutionalised, said voters in Kuala Terengganu were given cash as inducements.

kuala terengganu by election indirect bribesto fish for votes "RM300 and RM250 goodwill money were given to adults and youths respectively, while Chinese voters received RM300 'ang pow' for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations," he said in a statement.

"Even journalists were not spared . A day before polling, journalists at the media centre were given RM300 each. Two weeks earlier, the journalists were given raincoats worth RM98," he added.

Following a police report by two journalists, Barisan Nasional candidate Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh denied having anything to do with the matter.

In addition, Yunus said there was also an avalanche of "indirect bribes" to fish for votes. (see chart)

As for the abuse of government machinery, the watchdog stated, among others, the use of the Menteri Besar's office and Public Works Department vehicles for a ground-breaking ceremony.

kuala terengganu by election voting day 170109 voters queue Yunus also cited Kuala Terengganu mayor and election returning officer Mat Razali Kassim for allegedly threatening his staff to vote for BN. Mat Razali later resigned as returning officer over the controversy.

Who is paying?

Yunus also pointed out that numerous ministries, ministers and state leaders, both from Barisan Nasional and the opposition, were involved in the campaign.

"The question is, on whose expense were they campaigning in Kuala Terengganu?" he asked.

Meanwhile, Yunus said corruption was also seen in the form of free newspapers being distributed to the people and the number of concerts being held.

"PAS was also found to have violated election ethics by giving out free wheelchairs, free haircuts as well as free consultation with a homeopathy specialist," he added.

police force in kuala terengganu by election 070109 01 On the overwhelming police presence, Yunus said this gave the impression that the area was a war zone and left the people feeling uneasy over the massive deployment.

Calling for an end to corrupt practices, he said: "The Election Act must be amended to prevent corruption as a means to purchase votes."

"Kuala Terengganu voters have displayed their maturity, with the majority proving they will not fall for such candies," he added.

BN failed to retain the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat when its candidate lost to Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut of PAS by 2,631 votes while independent candidate Azharudin Mamat @ Adam polled 193 votes to lose his deposit.

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