There was no change when again the PH-BN Plus incumbent Federal Government, just like long ago BN governments, were seen to be doing things to promote the winning of PH-BN candidates during this upcoming, now current 6-State elections...
From Hari Raya celebrations in the 6 States with upcoming elections to a lot of money projects ...now using government helicopter...is this not an ABUSE of government resources, where there could be a motive of getting votes to ensure Anwar's 'UNITY' coalition is victorious.
Was the law to abused...was the 'Good Vibes Issue'...the charging of Sanusi under Sedition Act, etc all part of the moves to get victory in the up-coming 6 State Elections? Or maybe not?
Yesterday, just two days before the state election candidate nominations in six states, Anwar announced a cash grant of RM100 to over 10 million eligible citizens, which will be credited to their e-wallets.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the eligible recipients include individuals with an annual income of RM100,000 and below.
He also announced a special assistance grant of RM300 for civil servants and a special appreciation grant of RM200 for government pensioners.
I do not agree with BERSIH, as all actions/omissions and utilization of government resources or power which can have a tendency of IMPROVING the chances of candidates from PH-BN winning is WRONG. It goes against the quest for a FREE and FAIR Elections.
FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS need not simply be the monitoring of behavior of candidates/party from nomination date to voting... It must include the other pre-election monitoring of especially candidates/party that are from government parties especially...
10 Bribery (ELECTION OFFENCES ACT 1954)
The following persons shall be deemed guilty of the offence of bribery:
(a) every person who, before, during or after an election, who directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, gives, lends, or agrees to give or lend, or offers, promises, or promises to procure or to endeavour to procure, any money or valuable consideration to or for any elector or voter, or to or for any person on behalf of any elector or voter or to or for any other person, in order to induce any elector or voter to vote or refrain from voting, or corruptly does any such act as aforesaid on account of such elector or voter having voted or refrained from voting at any election;
(b) every person who, before, during or after an election, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, gives or procures, or agrees to give or procure, or offers, promises, or promises to procure or to endeavour to procure, any office, place or employment to or for any elector or voter, or to or for any person on behalf of any elector or voter, or to or for any other person, in order to induce such elector or voter to vote or refrain from voting, or corruptly does any such act as aforesaid on account of any elector or voter having voted or refrained from voting at any election;
(c) every person who, before, during or after an election, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, makes any such gift, loan, offer, promise, procurement, or agreement as aforesaid to or for any person in order to induce such person to procure or endeavour to procure the election of any person, or the vote of any elector or voter at any election;
(d) every person who, either before, or during an election, upon or in consequence of any such gift, loan, offer, promise, procurement or agreement, procures or engages, promises or endeavours to procure, the election of any person, or the vote of any elector or voter at an election;
(e) every person who, either before, or during an election, advances or pays or causes to be paid any money to, or to the use of, any other person with the intent that such money or any part thereof shall be expended in bribery at any election or who knowingly pays or causes to be paid any money to any person in discharge or repayment of any money wholly or in part expended in bribery at any such election;
(f) every elector or voter who, before or during any election directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, receives, agrees, or contracts for any money, gift, loan, or valuable consideration, office, place or employment, for himself or for any other person, for voting or agreeing to vote or for refraining or agreeing to refrain from voting at any such election;
(g) every person who, after any election, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, receives any money or valuable consideration on account of any person having voted or refrained from voting or having induced any other person to vote or to refrain from voting at any such election;
(h) every person who, after an election directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, on account of and as payment for voting or for having voted or for agreeing or having agreed to vote for any candidate at an election, or on account of and as payment for his having assisted or agreed to assist any candidate at an election, applies to such candidate, or to his agent or agents, for the gift or loan of any money or valuable consideration, or for the promise of the gift or loan of any money or valuable consideration or for any office, place or employment or for the promise of any office, place or employment; and
(i) every person who, either before, or during an election, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any person on his behalf, in order to induce any other person to agree to be nominated as a candidate or to refrain from becoming a candidate or to withdraw if he has become a candidate, gives or procures any office, place or employment, or agrees to give or procure or offers or promises to procure or to endeavour to procure any office, place or employment, to or for such other person, or gives or lends, or agrees to give or lend, or offers, or promises to procure or to endeavour to procure any money or valuable consideration to or for any person or to or for such other person, or to or for any person on behalf of such other person.
So, did PM Anwar or any of his Cabinet commit any Election Offenses? Or do we need NEW laws that specifically prevents usage or abuse of government resources/power for the purposes of getting votes???
What about 'social media control' - Note Malaysia has been out there trying to get 'cooperation' from FB, Tik Tok, Twitter and what else... Then Sanusi's account and the government said 'No order was given to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's TikTok account.'(16/7/2023) But was there any other action of government or government-linked agents that caused the account to be blocked??? -...
Then, about a week later, “The video has been taken down by TikTok and it is quite troubling because it gives the impression that there is an action that we can consider as an attempt to threaten,” he said after...{23/7/2023) Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil expressed concern today over an online video with images of Kedah caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi and weapons, saying it could be construed as threatening. Screenshots of the now-removed TikTok video were posted on Twitter earlier, which showed images of Sanusi on phone screens, two axes, and a dagger on the table.
So, did the government or the Minister have anything to do with the removal of this social media video? Or was it simply an arbitrary action by the service provider or app owner of Tik Tok - if yes, should not the Malaysian government be up in arms for the freedom of expression and opinion - how can any government allow service providers/app owners to CENSOR Malaysians - hence disallowing FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION?
Why does the Minister view 'two axes, and a dagger on the table' as 'weapons'? A ordinary person may have seen is as garden tools, tools used by farmers/fishermen/etc...
“Give me the ‘keris’. If you don’t give me the ‘keris’, how can I help Umno go into battle?” he[ Former Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman] said, alluding to his suspension...-Malay Mail, 10/6/2023
FELDA - RM10 Billion Bailout? Clarification needed...'Bailing out FELDA or Settlers?' No explanation how DEBT occurred?
SEDITION ACT - Repeal it. Reveal the wordings of Charge? Did reformist DAP, PKR and Amanah do a U-turn on their position?
Good Vibes Scandal? 1975's Matt Healy not arrested or charged? So, no law broken? Cancellation of festival serious consequences?
GREAT - Telegram did not want to participate in “any form of political censorship”? An explanation why will not cooperate with Minister?
Bar Resolution on Respect of Privacy, End of “Spying” and Intervention of Internet without Due Notice, ... Will Anwar's PH-led government do the needful?
Malaysia Must Stop Pressuring Facebook and Telegram to Monitor or Control User’s Private Communication
SEDITION Act - Moratorium on the use of unjust laws pending repeal
Respect People’s Right to Privacy, Freedom of Expression - Repeal Section 233 and other rights violating provisions in the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998(CMA)...- MADPET
Bersih sees 'nothing wrong' with PM giving out cash ahead of state polls
Bersih chairman Thomas Fann says it does not breach the conditions that the coalition has proposed to ensure parties do not abuse government resources to gain an advantage in the coming state elections.
Electoral reform group Bersih 2.0 says it sees nothing wrong with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of a massive cash handout totalling RM1 billion to millions of Malaysians, contrasting a stand by Muda, who reminded ruling politicians of their past criticism of such a practice.
Bersih, which in the past criticised similar government handouts being given during the election season, said the distribution of RM100 to some 10 million adult Malaysians as announced by Anwar yesterday does not violate the guidelines it issued recently.
"Based on the guidelines issued by Bersih last week, we believe there is no breach of the conditions we outlined," Bersih chairman Thomas Fann said to MalaysiaNow.
Last year, Bersih hit out at then prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob for bringing forward the fourth installment of the federal government's cash handout programme, Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia (BKM), too close to the 15th general election.
Ismail had then said that the cash handout under BKM, now renamed Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah by the present government, was brought forward to help Malaysians from the B40 group prepare for the monsoon season and floods.
But Bersih said such a decision should first be discussed with other political parties.
On July 20, Bersih proposed guidelines on the use of government resources ahead of the six state elections on Aug 12.
Fann said the guidelines were issued as it was clear that the state governments were "temporary administrations" and could not use government resources to campaign, or make any announcements about allocations.
"But the behaviour of the federal government which is not in interim government mode is not clear," he added.
Fann said the guidelines were aimed at preventing the misuse of government resources and giving the government an advantage over opponents.
The guidelines stated that any announcements, including allocations made to voters, must not be conditional, such as being contingent on a candidate's or party's victory in the elections.
"Any commitments made by the federal government must be fulfilled regardless of the election results."
Fann also said it is not appropriate to conduct campaigns during government events where the name of a party or candidate is mentioned and party logos or flags are displayed.
"No specific provisions should be made in the area to help a particular party win or retain that area."
Bersih also recommended that candidates not attend government events where announcements or allocations are made, but said the exception is if they are federal ministers.
Yesterday, just two days before the state election candidate nominations in six states, Anwar announced a cash grant of RM100 to over 10 million eligible citizens, which will be credited to their e-wallets.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the eligible recipients include individuals with an annual income of RM100,000 and below.
He also announced a special assistance grant of RM300 for civil servants and a special appreciation grant of RM200 for government pensioners.
The move was criticised by Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who compared the "good news" to the practices of the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) government in distributing cash assistance during the election season.
The Muar MP said announcements of cash handouts were usually made during the annual budget in Parliament or festive seasons, adding that this time it was a sudden move just a few days before the election campaign.
"In the past, when the opposition did the same thing, they called it 'cash is king,' and the BN government was accused of distributing goodies. Now they are doing the same thing?
"Let us not repeat the culture of the previous government's election goodies.
"Be better," he added. - Malaysia Now, 28/7/2023
PM’s ‘arrogant’ response over chopper use could backfire, warns Bersih
The electoral reform group says politicians should refrain from flaunting their privileges as if they purchased such machinery with their own money.
PETALING JAYA: Bersih today warned of possible repercussions following Anwar Ibrahim’s response to criticisms over his use of a helicopter to visit a Felda settlement, even though it was for pragmatic reasons.
“Arrogant behaviour, as demonstrated by the prime minister, may backfire, as the people will not approve of the misuse of government machinery for campaigning,” the electoral reform group said in a statement.
Earlier today, Anwar said he had the right to use a helicopter that belonged to the government as he was the prime minister. He was responding to criticism by Perikatan Nasional election director Sanusi Nor.
“It’s the government’s. You can’t use it, the prime minister can,” he was reported as saying at an event in Felda Teloi Timur.
Bersih said while the use of government machinery could not be completely prevented while on the campaign trail, politicians should always remain humble.
“They should refrain from flaunting their privileges as if they purchased such machinery with their own money.”
It also suggested that ministers pay pro-rata excess costs for campaign-related activities after completing their official duties.
In this case, such costs would include helicopter fuel or transportation.
“In the interest of transparency and accountability, these costs should be openly declared for public monitoring.”
Bersih said there was an urgent need for Putrajaya to discuss with the opposition on the enactment of new legislation to control decisions, actions, and the use of resources by both caretaker governments and non-caretaker governments during the election period.
“Reforms advocated by the Pakatan Harapan coalition must be
implemented without deviation and not merely be empty promises made
during election campaigns.” - FMT, 5/8/2023
No move made to block Sanusi's TikTok account, says MCMC
- Nation
-
Sunday, 16 Jul 2023
PETALING JAYA: No order was given to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's TikTok account.
"The MCMC confirms that no instructions were received regarding this issue. Social media platforms have community guidelines that determine if action can be taken against any user automatically if there are any such breaches or based on complaints by the public.
"Community guidelines such as these set expectations, promote inclusiveness and reduce harmful or unsavoury content that could disturb public harmony," it said.
Earlier, PAS official media Harakah posted a video on Twitter of Sanusi saying that his TikTok account had been banned.
In the video, he claims that his TikTok account had been banned by the government.
He also likens the government to North Korea's, where media freedom is restricted.
Sanusi,
in a press conference on Sunday (July 16), confirmed the matter and
said that the rakyat would turn their back to the Pakatan
Harapan-Barisan Nasional government for their "draconian" move to ban
social media accounts. - Star, 16/7/2023
Minister expresses concern over TikTok showing Sanusi pic with axes and dagger
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil expressed concern today over an online video with images of Kedah caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi and weapons, saying it could be construed as threatening. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
By Shathana Kasinathan
Sunday, 23 Jul 2023 8:22 PM MYT
Screenshots of the now-removed TikTok video were posted on Twitter earlier, which showed images of Sanusi on phone screens, two axes, and a dagger on the table.
“The video has been taken down by TikTok and it is quite troubling because it gives the impression that there is an action that we can consider as an attempt to threaten,” he said after attending a handover ceremony at Dewan Annex, Universiti Teknologi Mara Shah Alam here today.
The minister then said there must be changes to the moderate and verify content on social media platforms.
Fahmi also said he will organise a meeting involving all relevant enforcement agencies to bolster the social media monitoring, in response to increasing levels of provocative content touching on race, religion and royalty.
“That is one of the reasons why we will hold a meeting with the Bukit Aman side and with the agencies involved to step up the social media monitoring units specifically for the 3R issue,” he said. - Malay Mail, 23/7/2023
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