Bersih reveals Rantau election offences, chides minister for 'same blood' remark
Bersih has revealed that a total of 36 offences were recorded during the Rantau by-election earlier this month.
Launching its observation report in Petaling Jaya today, the electoral watchdog also censured Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran for using the race card when canvassing votes from the Indian community.
“I think what Kulasegaran said was distasteful...
Bersih has revealed that a total of 36 offences were recorded during the Rantau by-election earlier this month.
Launching its observation report in Petaling Jaya today, the electoral watchdog also censured Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran for using the race card when canvassing votes from the Indian community.
“I think what Kulasegaran said was distasteful.
“We decided not to call it an election offence but nonetheless we are extremely disappointed that the minister used such tactics to fish for votes,” said Bersih chairperson Thomas Fann.
During a ceramah, Kulasegaran had urged Indian voters to back Pakatan Harapan candidate Dr S Streram because of race.
“Where will I put my face if my people, my community... Streram who is of our community, we are of the same blood, what will happen if we do not support our own community,” he had said.
Kulasegaran (photo) also said that when he travels to Rantau, he only eats in Indian restaurants and not those operated by the Malays or Chinese.
After drawing flak, the DAP lawmaker said: “In terms of appealing to the Indian community, I was basically showing my solidarity with the Rantau community by eating in their local outlets.”
“People who know me personally will know that I eat at all eateries,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bersih executive director Yap Swee Seng said Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin and Negeri Sembilan exco Ismail Ahmad were reported to have promised to solve the problems faced by a centre for people with disabilities and a retirement home.
“While there is no specific mention of offences of abuse of state resources in the Election Offences Act, making such promises using the positions they are holding is an improper influence on voters.
“Technically and legally, they may have not committed an offence but ethically it is wrong,” he added.
According to Yap, the breakdown of the 36 election offences and misconduct were - undue influence (two cases), treating and gifting (seven cases), political violence, intimidation and harassment (one case) promotion of ill-will or hostility using race and religion in campaigning (one case) and problems on polling day (25 cases).
"Most of them were committed by Harapan (19 cases) whereas BN had 16 cases. One case was committed by an unknown person,” he added.
Compared to the previous by-elections in Semenyih and Cameron Highlands, Yap said there has been an increase in the number of treats and gifts for voters.
Responding to a question, Fann said the situation with regard to election offences is getting worse.
“I remember during the first by-election (after May 9) in Sungai Kandis, they promoted a free durian festival. But when we highlighted the issue, they immediately apologised and withdrew it.
“Now they don't bother anymore, they just go ahead and do it,” he added.
The Bersih election observation report is here, while the Engage election observation report is here.
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