GE14 | PKR Youth deputy chief Dr Afif Bahardin had the unenviable distinction of being the sole Pakatan Harapan leader among the new list of 10 inductees into Bersih's “Hall of Shame”.

Speaking at a press conference today, the Penang-based politician denied using the caretaker state government's programmes to campaign for votes in GE14.

Afif, who would be contesting the Seberang Jaya state seat, said Bersih had contacted him about the matter before the dissolution of Parliament on April 7.

"They have spoken to me about the matter and I accepted their advice," he added.

However, Afif clarified that the event Bersih was referring to was transpired on April 15, before nomination day (April 28).

The PKR Youth leader recalled that he had visited the home of a fire victim in Mengkuang with incumbent Penanti assemblyperson Norlela Ariffin.

He said this was part of the state government's "Jelajah Desa" campaign, which started last year.

"I was there to hand over a hamper to the victim as a representative of the caretaker government.

"I did not mention anything about PKR or ask them to vote for us, I did not promise anything, nor ask for anything in return.

"Those who attend my events would know that I do not mention party matters or even the name of my party when I am on duty as a state executive councillor," he added.

Afif said in fulfilling his responsibilities as a state exco, he has complied with the official "Dos and Donts" guidelines on caretaker governments provided by the Attorney-General's Chambers.

He lauded Bersih for having a high standard for election candidates to achieve their aim of weeding out money politics during elections.

However, Afif pointed out that during Bersih's monitoring of Election Offences from April 20 to 26, he was mostly in Kedah and Selangor.

"I understand Bersih wants to have a high benchmark for election candidates. We thank Bersih because they are neutral and cover all sides of the campaign," he added.

Apart from a slew of BN politicians and PAS' caretaker Kelantan menteri besar Ahmad Yaakob, the Hall of Shame list also included Election Commission (EC) chairperson Mohd Hashim Abdullah.

Mohd Hashim was also conferred with the “Five-Star Award of Shame" for allegedly failing to clean up the electoral roll, which led to numerous public complaints and called into question the integrity of the election.

“He is also being held responsible for the arbitrary and unfair changes of election regulations without consultation at the eleventh hour of the nomination day,” said Bersih.