Political parties and candidates participating in the ongoing Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections are urged to set higher campaigning standards.

Bersih, the coalition for free and fair elections, said it was appalled by the ongoing campaigns in the two constituencies, in particular several incidents over the past several days that contributed to a negative political and campaign environment.

In a statement today, Bersih listed incidents such as:

  • Vandalising of campaign materials and candidate's election operation room;
  • A sexist remark by independent candidate Izat Bukhary in Kuala Kangsar, who said he was contesting because he "did not trust" women leaders;
  • Threats made by PAS supporters during nomination day against Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) by calling them "pengkhianat" (traitors) and "kuburkan kufor" (bury the non-believers);
  • Disruption of a Pakatan Harapan ceramah in Kuala Kangsar, where protesters claimed it affected terawih prayers; and
  • Political messages that added to an unhealthy campaign atmosphere such as a billboard by DAP in Sekinchan, although it was taken down after it was criticised.

In any election campaign, it was necessary to be civil, said Bersih.

"It will be more useful for candidates and political parties to focus on crucial public interest issues, such as the 1MDB scandal, the weakening economy and deteriorating civil rights as well as local voters' concerns."

Calling on all stakeholders to adopt the spirit of clean, free and fair elections, Bersih said candidates and political parties must take responsibility in setting higher standards for democracy and political maturity.

The coalition also reiterated its earlier demand for candidates and political parties to abide by its code of conduct and the caretaker government guidelines throughout the election period.