Electoral reform group Bersih has identified at least 14 instances of vote-buying by BN, Pakatan Harapan and PAS in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections.

Bersih said there were nine instances of vote-buying by BN, followed by four by Harapan and one by PAS, all within just four days.

The vote-buying relates to Section 10(A) of the Election Offences Act 1954, which makes it an offence for parties to offer or promise any financial or valuable consideration to influence voters as it is considered bribery.

The offences were noted by Bersih's observers between June 10 to June 14.

According to a list of offences Bersih prepared, the bulk of the vote-buying happened in Sungai Besar with at least nine recorded offences.

In Sungai Besar, BN's violations include giving out free sports equipment for youths, free equipment for farmers and fishermen as well as Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's promise to allow fishermen to hire foreigners if the ruling coalition won.

Meanwhile, Harapan was seen giving out Hari Raya clothes and offering free servicing for motorcycles while opposition leader Wan Azizah Wan Ismail hosted a lucky draw event which offered household appliances, said Bersih.

PAS had similarly offered free motorcycling servicing, it added.

Harapan giving out free vegetables

In Kuala Kangsar, there were at least five recorded offences including Gerakan's lucky draw function, which offerred free food and alcohol, MCA giving out free rice as well as Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak promising RM500 per rubber tapper and a RM43.5 million bridge.

Harapan was also observed giving out free vegetables.

Bersih slammed Election Commission member Abdul Aziz Khalidin (photo), who had said handing out goodies was not an issue.

"The statement makes it look as if the election laws carry no meaning.

"As a former judge and lawyer, he should be wiser in interpreting election rules.

"The EC should mobilise its members and enforcement units to stop the giving out of gifts and not defend the offences by vested interests on both sides in the by-elections," it said.

Bersih also demanded that EC chairperson Mohamad Hashim Abdullah weigh in on the list of offences.

"If the EC fails to understand election Acts and rules, it would be better that they resign for failing to act according to law in carrying out a clean, free and fair election," it said.

It warned that this would set a precedent for worse offences in the 14th general election.

The Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections will take place on June 18.