Maybe the Port Dickson by-election ought to be stopped NOW...without wasting more government money. The EC could then set a new nomination and election date.
WHY? Justice demands a FREE and FAIR elections. This means all candidates have EQUAL Opportunities and Rights when it comes to campaigning. The law also stipulates that the maximum expenditure per candidate is RM200,000. There are laws about giving food and 'treating'...
From my observation, it looks like candidate Anwar Ibrahim may have broken quite a few of these election laws ...through actions of maybe not himself, but by actions of his agents and others authorized by himself/his agent. There is also inequality arising by reason of Anwar getting access to soldiers in military camps ...but not the other candidates.
ACCESS TO MILITARY CAMPS
Anwar Ibrahim got access to a Military function...the Minister campaigned for him? The Menteri Besar said he got Anwar in? But then other candidates in the PD Elections did not have access to the military camps -Is this FAIR.
DEFENCE Minister Mohamad Sabu said he was confident that PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim would do his best to resolve issues close to the hearts of military veterans when he becomes prime minister.“I am confident veterans will be better off with increases in government revenue, which we are working towards so that Malaysia returns to its glory days,” he said at the Pingat Jasa Malaysia awards ceremony for the 22nd Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment veterans of the Port Dickson zone in Port Dickson today. - Mat Sabu salahgunakan kuasa untuk bantu Anwar? Anwar bikin bukan saperti cakap? EC diam?
Then, about 2 days before the armed forces voted, the Election Commission Chair said all candidates should have access...but he said the power to grant access lies with the Defence Minister and/or the military. Well, that confirms it that access to Anwar was because PH is government?
Too LATE the announcement by the EC Chairman, for other candidates to even get access to voters in the army camps? Another reason for PD Election to be 'stopped'...and new nomination and campaign period to allow all candidates the opportunity to get access to voters in military camps...
EC chairman Azhar Azizan Harun, also known as Art Harun, said the EC has no jurisdiction in the matter as permission to enter army camps is under the purview of the military and the Defence Ministry.
"However it is not fair and just if only one candidate is allowed to campaign in army camps and others aren't allowed to do so.
"It contradicts (bercanggah) against the principle and spirit of democracy and the presence of free and fair campaigning activities.
"As such, the EC would like to urge (menyarankan) that the army camps or even the Defence Ministry give equal opportunities to all candidates, subject to any camp or nation's security procedures practised by the camps or the Ministry," said Azhar in a statement on Sunday (Oct 7).
After the EC Chairman's announcement, the military spoke out
With early polling for the Port Dickson by-election on Tuesday (Oct 9), the chief of the Defence Forces says no political campaigns are allowed in army camps or any of its premises. Jen Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin (pic) said armed forces personnel should always remain apolitical and not take sides with any political party.
"Armed forces personnel must be apolitical and not support or be involved in the struggles of any political party. "Similarly, no political campaigns are allowed in army camps or any of its premises," he said in a statement on Monday (Oct 8).
Well, the General did not speak up when Anwar gained access, did he? Only after the EC Chairman spoke out. Will action be taken against the Army Commanders of the said camp? Anwar is a seasoned politician, in government for a very long time...he should have known it was wrong and certainly UNFAIR to the other candidates?
PERSONALLY, during the campaign period, all candidates should have access to military personels(and their spouses) and all other government servants. Maybe, EC could organise a debate between all candidates in military camps, etc..
Armed forces personnel, police and public servants are NOT APOLITICAL - if they are they should not be allowed to VOTE. In carrying out their duties they must be professional and and not be 'biased' towards any political party - but as Malaysian citizens, personally they can support any political party or candidate. Remember, we are not just talking about army personnel but also their spouses and even voting age children, who usually are housed in the military camps as well.
FREE 'MAKAN'. ETC...(Looks like more that RM200,000 have been spent by some candidates, be it personally, through their Agents, or through persons authorized by the candidate/agents)
BERSIH has spoken out about an upcoming big 'free food' event in Port Dickson...
Last night, Bersih 2.0 executive director Yap Swee Seng told the Astro Awani show Let’s Talk that the dinner planned for up to 4,000 people may be an election offence for attempting to treat voters.Section 8 of the Act defines “treating” as, among others, providing food, drinks, refreshments or provisions before, during or after an election “for the purpose of corruptly influencing that person or any other person to give or refrain from giving his vote.”
But, sadly Anwar seems to be not bothered
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today he will unlikely postpone a free banquet for the Chinese community in Port Dickson, even as Bersih 2.0 warned that treating voters may constitute an election offence......“I don’t think I will postpone [the event],” he replied, when asked if he will delay the event until after the by-election this Saturday.
Note that similar events in earlier by-elections were postponed to after elections, when this 'wrongdoing' was highlighted. But Anwar would not ...
ANWAR IBRAHIM is important because he could be our next Prime Minister, and it is important for him to set the 'best example' - He should not be breaking the law or even bending it for his benefit. He must be FAIR and just...
The attitude now being demonstrated is that the law is for others but not 'future' Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim?
Anwar received royal pardon that allowed him to contest for MP/ADUN elections immediately after he was released from prison. But has Pakatan Harapan or Anwar even pushed for other politicians and other Malaysians to also be 'pardoned' maybe just to be able to contest elections to be MP/ADUN. Now many people have been charged and convicted for offences linked to highlighting wrongdoings of previous government and struggling for justice and human rights ...surely they all deserve to be pardoned so that they can immediately run for elections after fine paid or release from prison. SELFISH, is that the word you are thinking about.
Of course, much criticism about a healthy MP resigning to make way for Anwar, costing also the government(Election Commission) possibly millions to carry out this election. Maybe, the government should go after that former MP Danyal for the cost of this by-elections? Keep an eye on that former PD MP - to make sure he does not receive monies or positions as a reward for resigning?
Expenditure limit for a candidate is RM200,000 - and that is expense of candidate, candidate's agent and reasonably all other persons who have been autorised by the candidate's agent to hold, convene or organise any open public meeting, open public
rally, open public display or open public entertainment or giving open
public address or lecture. So, how much do you think Anwar and his people have spent to date? Over RM200,000?
See earlier post, which also tells us more about election offences like treating, bribery, etc :-EC Azhar Azizan Harun 'tiup wisel' NOW jika ada salahlaku PRK PD? Anwar ingkar undang-undang? Had belanja RM200,000?
The things that the previous UMNO-BN used to do to help their candidates win elections, that gave the UMNO-BN an unfair advantage must end. Our new Government must move towards ensuring always that we have a FREE AND FAIR Elections, especially when it involves the leaders of the Pakatan Harapan political parties.
In the past, those who committed Election Offences were allowed to go scot free...very few were investigated let alone charged and tried.
The usage of government machinery, money, position and power to assist any candidate must STOP.
In the Port Dickson election, voting day is coming....so maybe best, to just cancel this elections...and let us start over again. Return all deposits back to candidates...
Anwar may win BUT later he may lose his seat for spending more than RM200,000, 'treating' or some other Election offences...I do not want this...SO
MAYBE LET's just fix a NEW nomination date, a longer campaign period and really have a FREE AND FAIR Elections...That may be best?
We certainly do not want an election that possibly gets our possible next Prime Minister to be questionable.
RM200,000 is the spending limit...Promise of money and 'free food' should really have no place in elections. People should vote in candidates based on their values, principles, character, history of struggle for justice and human rights...
A NEW PD ELECTIONS?
The police and MACC, looking at history are not so interested in investigating and prosecuting those who commit Election offences...Maybe, the power to do so should be with the EC?
Anwar adamant on attending free banquet despite possible election offence
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today
he will unlikely postpone a free banquet for the Chinese community in
Port Dickson, even as Bersih 2.0 warned that treating voters may
constitute an election offence.
The PKR president-elect was quoted by Malaysiakini as questioning the electoral watchdog as to why he cannot hold the dinner unlike other candidates.
“Why can’t I have the dinner?” Anwar was quoted as saying on the sidelines of the “Malaysia: A New Dawn” conference here.
“The [Chinese] community wants to give a dinner, I mean the other candidates are also having dinners,” he added.
Anwar did not elaborate on which other candidate is holding a free banquet for thousands of voters like the one planned for him.
“I don’t think I will postpone [the event],” he replied,
when asked if he will delay the event until after the by-election this
Saturday.
Last night, Bersih 2.0 executive director Yap Swee Seng told the Astro Awani show Let’s Talk that the dinner planned for up to 4,000 people may be an election offence for attempting to treat voters.
Section 8 of the Act defines “treating” as, among others,
providing food, drinks, refreshments or provisions before, during or
after an election “for the purpose of corruptly influencing that person
or any other person to give or refrain from giving his vote.”
Last week, Pakatan Harapan’s Lukut assemblyman Choo Ken
Hwa was reported expressing his concern over the planned free dinner in
his own constituency.
Malaysiakini reported Choo as saying the dinner
is organised by a group calling itself “Port Dickson voters group”, but
he suspects that the group is made up of Anwar’s supporters from out of
town.
On October 1, Persatuan Muafakat One Belt One Road
Malaysia and two Chinese NGOs in Port Dickson held a dinner for Lukut
voters. Sin Chew Daily reported that a donor from Hong Kong had paid for the dinner.
The October 1 dinner was referred to by independent
candidate Stevie Chan in his police report yesterday which accused Anwar
of bribery. - Malay Mail, 9/10/2018
Bersih: Anwar's free concert, dinner and access to military camp against EC rules
PETALING JAYA: Bersih 2.0
has chimed in with Election Commission (EC) chairman Azhar Azizan
Harun’s calls for other Port Dickson by-election candidates to be
allowed to campaign in the military camps, since Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim (pic) had done so.
Bersih 2.0 (or the Coalition for Free and Free Election) said all candidates should be accorded the same treatment to ensure an even playing field according to the Defence Ministry's principle of administrative neutrality.
"Otherwise, the Ministry of Defence would be seen as abusing government machinery for the Pakatan Harapan candidate," the Bersih steering committee said in a statement Tuesday (Oct 9).
Bersih also called for Anwar's upcoming free dinner event for 3,000 to 4,000 people in Lukut to be postponed until after the by-election.
"Such dinner is no different from the feast thrown by Jho Low in Penang during the 13th General Election," it said.
"Section 8 of the Election Offences Act prohibits treating of food, drink, refreshment or provision to induce voters to vote for a particular candidate," it added.
Bersih also highlighted Section 19, which caps the expenses for the election campaigns of parliament seats at RM200,000.
"Therefore, the expenses incurred in the free concert in Port Dickson during by-election should be (borne) by the candidate, his election agent or person authorised by the election agent and be included in the financial statement of the candidate’s election campaign expenditure," it said.
On Oct 8, Anwar told the EC and Bersih not to "abuse their power" and "don't be too much" after the two organisations criticised him for attending the free Picnic@PD concert on Oct 6 during his election campaign.
The concert was organised by the Anwar Ibrahim Club (AIC), Pertubuhan Khidmat Kebajikan Masyarakat Madani and Muafakat Anak Muda Port Dickson.
Anwar later clarified that he respected the authority of the EC and the work of Bersih.
He suggested that certain flexibilities should be considered and certain regulations should be looked at to determine if they were "too constricting on the movement of candidates".- Star, 9/10/2018
Bersih 2.0 (or the Coalition for Free and Free Election) said all candidates should be accorded the same treatment to ensure an even playing field according to the Defence Ministry's principle of administrative neutrality.
"Otherwise, the Ministry of Defence would be seen as abusing government machinery for the Pakatan Harapan candidate," the Bersih steering committee said in a statement Tuesday (Oct 9).
Bersih also called for Anwar's upcoming free dinner event for 3,000 to 4,000 people in Lukut to be postponed until after the by-election.
"Such dinner is no different from the feast thrown by Jho Low in Penang during the 13th General Election," it said.
"Section 8 of the Election Offences Act prohibits treating of food, drink, refreshment or provision to induce voters to vote for a particular candidate," it added.
Bersih also highlighted Section 19, which caps the expenses for the election campaigns of parliament seats at RM200,000.
"Therefore, the expenses incurred in the free concert in Port Dickson during by-election should be (borne) by the candidate, his election agent or person authorised by the election agent and be included in the financial statement of the candidate’s election campaign expenditure," it said.
On Oct 8, Anwar told the EC and Bersih not to "abuse their power" and "don't be too much" after the two organisations criticised him for attending the free Picnic@PD concert on Oct 6 during his election campaign.
The concert was organised by the Anwar Ibrahim Club (AIC), Pertubuhan Khidmat Kebajikan Masyarakat Madani and Muafakat Anak Muda Port Dickson.
Anwar later clarified that he respected the authority of the EC and the work of Bersih.
He suggested that certain flexibilities should be considered and certain regulations should be looked at to determine if they were "too constricting on the movement of candidates".- Star, 9/10/2018
All election candidates should have equal access to campaign in army camps, says EC
PORT DICKSON: The Defence Ministry has been urged to give equal access
to all candidates in the by-election here to ensure it is fair, says the
Election Commission (EC).
EC chairman Azhar Azizan Harun, also known as Art Harun, said the EC has no jurisdiction in the matter as permission to enter army camps is under the purview of the military and the Defence Ministry.
"However it is not fair and just if only one candidate is allowed to campaign in army camps and others aren't allowed to do so.
"It contradicts (bercanggah) against the principle and spirit of democracy and the presence of free and fair campaigning activities.
"As such, the EC would like to urge (menyarankan) that the army camps or
even the Defence Ministry give equal opportunities to all candidates,
subject to any camp or nation's security procedures practised by the
camps or the Ministry," said Azhar in a statement on Sunday (Oct 7).
On Saturday (Oct 6), PAS candidate Lt-Kol (Rtd) Mohd Nazari Mokhtar said all the by-election candidates should be given equal access to campaign inside army camps.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, one of seven candidates in the Port Dickson by-election, had recently visited one of the army camps here.
However, Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Aminuddin Harun had clarified that he was the one who invited Anwar to a function at the army camp. Both Anwar and Aminuddin are from PKR.
Meanwhile, the EC said it has been monitoring the campaigning activities in Port Dickson since they started and has noted that some received negative public reactions, which may give the process of elections and good democratic practices a bad name.
Azhar said the EC believes it is the responsibility of every candidate and their parties to ensure the law is not abused and the principles and spirit of democracy are upheld.- Star, 7/10/2018
EC chairman Azhar Azizan Harun, also known as Art Harun, said the EC has no jurisdiction in the matter as permission to enter army camps is under the purview of the military and the Defence Ministry.
"However it is not fair and just if only one candidate is allowed to campaign in army camps and others aren't allowed to do so.
"It contradicts (bercanggah) against the principle and spirit of democracy and the presence of free and fair campaigning activities.
On Saturday (Oct 6), PAS candidate Lt-Kol (Rtd) Mohd Nazari Mokhtar said all the by-election candidates should be given equal access to campaign inside army camps.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, one of seven candidates in the Port Dickson by-election, had recently visited one of the army camps here.
However, Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Aminuddin Harun had clarified that he was the one who invited Anwar to a function at the army camp. Both Anwar and Aminuddin are from PKR.
Meanwhile, the EC said it has been monitoring the campaigning activities in Port Dickson since they started and has noted that some received negative public reactions, which may give the process of elections and good democratic practices a bad name.
Azhar said the EC believes it is the responsibility of every candidate and their parties to ensure the law is not abused and the principles and spirit of democracy are upheld.- Star, 7/10/2018
Negri MB says he invited Anwar to army camp
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 — Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar
Aminuddin Harun said today that he was the one who had invited Pakatan
Harapan (PH) candidate Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Port Dickson
by-election to a function at an army camp.
Berita Harian reported him as saying that Anwar’s visit was not planned.
“This morning, we had breakfast and then he (Anwar) got into my car after agreeing to accompany me to an army programme.
“We understand that by-election candidates cannot
campaign in army camps. I hope this will not be an issue because Anwar’s
presence was based on my invitation, not the organiser’s,” Aminuddin
was quoted telling a press conference.
Anwar’s
rivals in the Port Dickson by-election have reportedly accused the PKR
president-elect of abusing government machinery, such as campaigning at
military functions and mosques and promising projects for Port Dickson
if he won the election. - Malay Mail, 5/10/2018
PD polls: No political campaigns allowed in army camps, says Defence chief
PORT DICKSON: With early polling for the
Port Dickson by-election on Tuesday (Oct 9), the chief of the Defence
Forces says no political campaigns are allowed in army camps or any of
its premises.
Jen Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin (pic) said armed forces personnel should always remain apolitical and not take sides with any political party.
Jen Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin (pic) said armed forces personnel should always remain apolitical and not take sides with any political party.
"Armed forces personnel must be apolitical and not support or be involved in the struggles of any political party.
"Similarly, no political campaigns are allowed in army camps or any of its premises," he said in a statement on Monday (Oct 8).
Jen Zulkifli said these directives were not only applicable for the Port Dickson by-election but it applied to all elections.
The Election Commission chairman Azhar Harun had, on Sunday (Oct 7) called on the Defence Ministry to give candidates equal access to army camps.
This came about following complaints that Pakatan Harapan candidate Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had attended functions in the army camp here and the presence of several ministers in the constituency.
Azhar said the permission to enter army camps came under the purview of the military and the Defence Ministry.
“It contradicts the principle and spirit of democracy and free and fair campaigning activities.
“The EC would like to suggest that army camps or even the ministry give equal opportunities to all candidates, subject to security procedures,” he said in a statement.
"Similarly, no political campaigns are allowed in army camps or any of its premises," he said in a statement on Monday (Oct 8).
Jen Zulkifli said these directives were not only applicable for the Port Dickson by-election but it applied to all elections.
The Election Commission chairman Azhar Harun had, on Sunday (Oct 7) called on the Defence Ministry to give candidates equal access to army camps.
This came about following complaints that Pakatan Harapan candidate Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had attended functions in the army camp here and the presence of several ministers in the constituency.
Azhar said the permission to enter army camps came under the purview of the military and the Defence Ministry.
“It contradicts the principle and spirit of democracy and free and fair campaigning activities.
“The EC would like to suggest that army camps or even the ministry give equal opportunities to all candidates, subject to security procedures,” he said in a statement.
Advertisement
The Port Dickson by-election on Oct 13 will see a seven-cornered
fight between Pakatan Harapan’s Anwar Ibrahim, PAS candidate Lt Col
(Rtd) Mohd Nazari Mokhtar and five independent candidates including
former Negri Sembilan mentri besar Tan Sri Isa Abdul Samad.
The by-election is called after its incumbent Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah, 68, vacated the seat on Sept 12 to give way for Anwar's return to the Dewan Rakyat. - Star, 8/10/2018
The by-election is called after its incumbent Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah, 68, vacated the seat on Sept 12 to give way for Anwar's return to the Dewan Rakyat. - Star, 8/10/2018
Why can't others enter army camps to campaign for PD by-election, asks PAS candidate
PORT DICKSON: All by-election candidates
should be given equal access to campaign inside army camps, said PAS
candidate Lt-Kol (Rtd) Mohd Nazari Mokhtar.
He said appealed to the relevant authorities that all candidates,
including independents, in the Port Dickson by-election should be
allowed to go and meet voters and explain their policies.
"If one candidate is allowed to enter an army camp, it is only fair that all be given equal access.
"Let us contest in a gentleman manner," he told reporters after
visiting the Information Department's media centre here on Saturday (Oct
6).
It was reported that several independent candidates have raised
concerns that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim may have gone against the pledge
for free and fair elections.
Anwar also received criticism for promising projects if he won the
by-election when he was campaigning at events where military personnel
attended.
Mohd Nazari said the Election Commission (EC) should take immediate
action if any of the candidates have flouted the relevant laws.
"A candidate, who is also a big name in our political stage, promised a clean and fair election.
"If he is allowed to campaign there, why aren't we (also) allowed to do so?" he asked.
Negeri Sembilan Mentri Besar Aminuddin Harun had clarified that he
was the one who invited Anwar to a function at an army camp recently.
Mohd Nazari said at the moment he could not enter any of the army
camps and was only able to talk to them informally outside of camp.
"When we hold our tea and breakfast session, some of them will
approach us, and the response among army officers has been positive.
"All I could do now is to hope that they will share my message to all their friends.
"We have to understand that they are also my voters, why don't we
hold an open discussion with all the candidates, so the army officers
can judge themselves who will be able to represent them better in the
Dewan Rakyat.
"The early voting (date) is very near. If the armed forces chiefs
invite us, we will go there to meet them at any time," he said.
The Election Commission has fixed polling day on Oct 13 while early voting (for the military) will be on Oct 9 - Star, 6/10/2018
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment