“If you want the EC to carry out enforcement, then give us more power and amend the Election Commission Act 1957 in Parliament,” he told reporters at the early voting centre at the Brinchang police headquarters here.
The offences include the presence of ministers at by-election areas and ministers carrying out government-related events, as had occurred in the Port Dickson by-election last October.
There are reportedly no laws under the Election Offences Act 1954 to keep these offences in check.
Azhar said the authorities would investigate if police reports are made on such offences.
“(But) if we want more, then we have to change the law. This is not my job. It is the job of the lawmakers,” he added.
“If the people want the laws to be changed, they have to ask their MPs to bring a motion for those laws to be passed.”
He said the EC had done its best with the power currently granted to the commission.
“I have done everything, such as giving information to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police. I have also given advice and issued warnings.
“The candidates have also signed election pledges. That’s all we can do,” he said, adding that the only action available to the EC was to lodge a report with the authorities.
He did not dismiss the possibility of another by-election if any offences are reported and proven in Cameron Highlands.
“I can’t say that,” he said. “If it is brought up in an election petition, it will depend on the ones who made the petition to prove what they reported.
“The EC can only do its job once the judge makes a decision.”
However, he said there appeared to be improvements in the Cameron Highlands by-election where political coalitions were holding each other accountable for offences.
“I see improvement in this aspect. Even the public is more aware. It’s good progress,” he said.
When asked about the alleged abuse of government vehicles during the campaign period, Azhar said the people could lodge police reports on the matter.
“But whether the laws can be changed, I leave it to the Electoral Reform Committee,” he added.
“I understand that they are looking at every aspect of the election, including the powers of the EC.”
Some 247 early voters are expected to head to the ballot box today. There are 232 early voters in Tanah Rata and 15 in Jelai.
The Cameron Highlands by-election is the fifth to be called after the May 9 polls last year.
It was triggered after the Election Court declared Barisan Nasional’s victory null and void due to corrupt practices committed by MIC candidate C Sivarraajh.