An election watchdog today expressed concern over the use of religion by political parties as a threat and false inducement to secure votes.

"Such action is highly unethical as well as a prevention over voters to decide their candidate or party upon merits," said Malaysians for Free and Fair Elections (Mafrel) general secretary K Shan in a statement.

He was commenting on this Saturday's Kuala Berang by-election in Terengganu which will see a battle between PAS and Barisan Nasional (BN).

Shan said Mafrel viewed the concern over the use of religion as a new phenomenon that will further affect the established principles of free election.

'Fair and peaceful'

The watchdog also called for a 'free, fair and peaceful' contest in Kuala Berang.

Shan said the upcoming by-election required transparency and accountability from all parties due to the discrepancies in the March 21 general election.

"The last general election witnessed a high number of complaints regarding the supervision and management by the Election Commission (EC) and conduct of political parties in campaigning," he added.

He said contesting parties must put the interest and rights of the constituents above theirs and allow the voters to independently formulate and decide on their choice.

Mafrel urged contesting parties to be ethical and avoid the misuse of public facilities, the media, police and religious authorities for campaigning purposes.

Avoid errors

Meanwhile, the watchdog also called on the EC to exercise fairness and impartiality with minimal administrative errors.

"This is stated due to the rising public concern on the impartiality and capability of the EC following a series of administrative errors in the last general election.

"Mafrel will watch closely the commission closely in the upcoming by-election and will initiate recommendations based upon ground observation, reports and public complaints," said Shan.

BN's Mohd Zawawi Ismail will take on PAS candidate Muhyidin Abdul Rashid in Kuala Berang.

The state seat fell vacant following the death of BN incumbent Komaruddin Abd Rahman last month.