Contrary to remarks from a top official from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah said offering rice and donations is a form of vote-buying.

“I certainly do not agree with that. They are all vote-buying,” she told Malaysiakini when asked to comment on MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki’s claims.

Azam had reportedly said yesterday that offering “genuine aid” such as rice or donations to the poor would not constitute a bribe. He had also said election pledges are not bribes either, as it is part of campaigning to woo voters.