Sarawak election: Report to the authorities if you have proof of vote-buying

Those with proof of vote-buying during the recent Sarawak elections should immediately lodge reports with the authorities.

The police and the Election Commission should then expeditiously get to the bottom of these allegations, regardless of whether the aggrieved parties are from the ruling coalition, the opposition or independent candidates.

The campaign leading to the May 7 polls was rife with allegations of cash-for-votes. A Federal opposition lawmaker had openly alluded to "money makes the world go round" during campaigning.

Even Barisan Nasional candidate for Simanggang, Francis Harden Hollis had complained about voters in his constituency being offered RM100 before polling, and another RM200 if he lost.

These allegations, if true, contravene the Election Offences Act 1954. Section 10 of the Act clearly stipulates that attempts to bribe voters using cash or offers of cash is illegal.

We call on those with evidence of such wrongdoings to lodge reports so that the authorities could go after the perpetrators. Failure to do so can be construed as condoning political bribery and encourages the scourge to further take root in our society.

Vote-buying undermines the Parliamentary democracy which this country is founded upon. The practice should be nipped in the bud and has no place in a healthy democracy.

In the meantime, it is important to enhance public awareness on democratic and electoral processes.

It is only through such efforts can we educate the general members of the public as a whole about how democratic processes should function.

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by CENBET secretary-general Khairil Azmi Hasbie

The views expressed here are strictly of the author's and do not necessarily reflect Astro AWANI's.