When campaigning in the Seri Setia and Balakong by-elections, Pakatan Harapan was allegedly observed to have employed “very similar tactics” to BN in past polls.

This is according to electoral reform group Bersih’s executive director Yap Swee Seng, who based his comments on the NGO’s findings from observing both by-elections.

“Based on our findings and the (election) offences committed – treating with foods and giving out goodies, and also using official cars to attend campaign activities – these are all very similar tactics that have been used by BN in the past.

“It seems that the same tactics have been applied by Harapan, so from Bersih’s point of view, we are worried that this kind of culture is being adopted by Harapan,” he told Malaysiakini when contacted today.

Bersih’s report on the Balakong by-election recorded that Economic Affairs minister Mohamed Azmin Ali, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu and Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad had allegedly used their official government vehicles to attend Harapan campaign activities.

On Sept 4, which was early voting day, Harapan candidate Wong Siew Ki (photo) and several of her supporters were purportedly observed to have donned the party logo while at a polling centre.

A vehicle bearing the Harapan logo was also allegedly seen within 50 metres of a polling centre.

MCA, too, allegedly committed several election offences: throwing banquets and organising a free medical check-up for voters during the campaign.

Freebies in Seri Setia

Bersih’s observation report on Seri Setia recorded how Harapan had allegedly handed out free T-shirts, free food and free drinks to voters during the campaign period.

Plus, Harapan and PKR flags were allegedly seen within 50 metres of a polling centre.

However, PAS, which had also contested in Seri Setia, was observed to have allegedly committed similar offences in more instances than Harapan.

According to the report, the Islamist party had allegedly offered food and drink to voters along with free hampers and PAS-branded goodie bags.

Harapan candidate Halimey Abu Bakar and PAS candidate Dr Halimah Ali were both allegedly observed to have campaigned for themselves on Facebook on Sept 8 – polling day.

Don’t repeat this in Port Dickson

Yap urged Harapan against repeating these offences in the ongoing Port Dickson by-election, where PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim is a contestant.

“These are things that shouldn’t happen because these are precisely the corrupt practices that we condemned in the past, including (by) Harapan.

“And that was one the reasons why the people voted out BN.

“Harapan should not repeat these kinds of corrupt practices, especially in Port Dickson because Anwar is running. They should really set a good example in Port Dickson,” he said.

The Oct 13 Port Dickson by-election was triggered when its incumbent MP Danyal Balagopal Abdullah vacated the seat to make way for Anwar’s return to Parliament.

This is expected to pave the way for Anwar to succeed Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the prime minister, as previously agreed by Harapan parties.