No intention to introduce guidelines for elections’ incentives - MACC

PUTRAJAYA- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) does not intend to introduce specific guidelines for giving aid during elections.

Its Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki the matter was clearly covered under the Election Act 1954.

"We ask all parties to understand this act," he said at a press conference after the launch of body cameras and MACC vests here on Monday.

Azam was commenting on Pas' call for specific guidelines to be prepared regarding giving out aids during elections.

This follows the recent announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's that an additional grant of RM100,000 will be allocated to the Central Terengganu Development Board (Ketengah) Combined Youth Association for the purpose of developing the group's activities in the state.

Zahid who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister said that the number may increase depending on the performance of that group in the state polls on 12 August.

The announcement was criticised by many parties including political leaders who alleged that the speech had elements of corruption.

However MACC said the speech had no elements of corruption, rather what was announced was an initiative from the ministry at the Federal level.

Meanwhile, Azam said his party has not received any complaints or reports regarding matters related to corruption during the three days since the election campaign began.

" Based on our observations. we have not yet received any reports." he said

The Election Commission has set August 12 as the voting day for Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.

The by election for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat will also be held on the same day. The nomination of candidates was conducted on July 29 while early voting will be on August 8.