The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) refers to news reports of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s handing over mock cheques worth over RM60 millions to representatives of fishermen and farmers at an event in Beaufort, Sabah today. Alongside him was the Agricultural Minister Ronald Kiandee and Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) incumbent candidate for Klias, Isnin Aliasnih.

Section 10(a) of the Election Offences Act 1954 states that anyone who during an election gives money or any valuable consideration to induce any voters to vote for a candidate is deemed to have committed the offence of bribery.

It was also reported that in his speech at the Beaufort event he reiterated his call that the people of Sabah should vote for the same parties which hold power in Putrajaya as states that are ruled by the same parties at the federal level tends to receive more.

Muhyiddin is clearly using his position and government funds to induce voters in Sabah to vote for parties and candidates aligned to his Perikatan Nasional government.

We call on the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate such acts of corruption by the PM and all who would use their position and resources to fish for votes. Members of the public who were at the said event in Beaufort should also make police reports of what they heard and be witnesses of any investigations.

Bersih 2.0 also calls on voters to reject law-breaking candidates who aspire to be lawmakers in the State Assembly of Sabah. Vote for clean and law-abiding candidates who respects all existing laws, including the Election Offences Act.

Statement issued by:
The Steering Committee of Bersih 2.0