In a statement by the Bersih steering committee, it said Section 8 of the Election Offences Act 1954 clearly states that it is an election offence of treating for anyone to give food, drink, refreshment, provision, money, tickets or any other means for the purpose of corruptly influencing any person to vote at an election.

It also noted that Section 8, along with other sections of the law on the promotion of ill-will and hostility, undue influence and bribery, begins with the phrase “before, during and after an election”.

“Bersih would suggest that the interpretation of ‘before an election’ means before nomination day. Thus it would be reasonable that the starting period for election offences to be committed would be from the moment a seat is declared vacant, or when Parliament or the state assembly is dissolved.”

The Rantau state seat was declared vacant on Feb 26 after the Federal Court dismissed the appeal by incumbent Mohamad Hasan against the Election Court decision that fresh polls be held.

Bersih said as it was general knowledge by then that a by-election would be carried out, it would be “reasonable to assume that all unscheduled political activities that are carried out in the constituency are done for the purpose of fishing for votes”.

It noted that Streram had been present at the event in Rantau, where free food coupons  were given to about 300 pupils who received RM50 to RM150 each.

Teo said he had carried out a similar programme in eight schools around his constituency, and that he decided to continue it in Rantau at the request of Streram, PKR’s coordinator in the area.

Bersih said while it believes that Teo committed the election offence of treating, it is up to the authorities to act on such alleged offences.

“Bersih urges the Election Commission to take all necessary steps for redress and ensure that all parties adhere to the Election Offences Act,” it said.