Selangor Journal
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki speaks at a press conference following the closing ceremony of MACC’s Pemantapan Rakan Strategik Media programme, in Putrajaya on July 5, 2023. — Picture by BERNAMA

Azam: No new guidelines on aid distribution during elections

PUTRAJAYA, July 31 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has no plans to issue new guidelines on giving of aid during elections, said Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

Speaking at a press conference after launching the use of body worn cameras and MACC jackets here today, he said this is because the “do’s and don’ts” provisions related to elections are clearly stated under the Election Offences Act 1954.

“Section 10 under the Act is very clear about the do’s and don’ts that every election candidate must follow,” he said in commenting on PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man’s proposal that specific guidelines be issued regarding the provision of assistance during elections.

Tuan Ibrahim was reported as saying that the guidelines are important so that all parties know the forms of aid allowed during elections.

Asked about developments of the elections in six states and the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election on August 12, Azam said so far, MACC has not received any reports related to corruption.

“Based on past experience, we have made an observation, usually in a day or two (after nomination) there are none (corruption-related reports),” he said.

MACC launched seven operations rooms in conjunction with the state elections and by-election, namely in the MACC headquarters here, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Penang, Kelantan and Terengganu. They will operate round-the-clock from July 29 until August 12.

Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Penang, Kelantan and Terengganu go the polls on August 12. The Kuala Terengganu b-election will be held simultaneously.

Nomination day was on Saturday (July 29), while early voting will be held on August 8.

— Bernama

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