Bersih chairman Thomas Fann said the NGO had noted a worsening trend of misconduct among PH leaders although fewer election offences were committed this time around.
At a press conference here, he said there were 10 cases of misconduct related to the announcement of development projects and allocations for the constituency worth RM23.93 million.
“While we recognise that the federal government and state government of Johor need to continue to operate during by-elections, using state resources to win support for candidates of ruling parties is unethical.
“The PH government should adhere to the principles of free and fair elections by withholding the announcement of any new project or allocation during the by-election period. There has to be a clear separation between what constitutes government function and party activities,” he said.
While it is not considered an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954, he said, using taxpayers’ money to “give yourself an advantage” is unethical.
“We expect higher standards from our lawmakers.”
Fann said Bersih had observed 21 cases of election offences since the Tanjung Piai seat became vacant in September – three cases of treating and gifting including the organisation of dinners and events, and 18 cases of breaching the limit of the campaign period which ended at midnight on polling day.
He said this was much lower than the number of offences recorded in previous by-elections, which he attributed to a higher awareness of election offences among both candidates and campaigners.
Fann also reiterated his criticism of a police regulation requiring permits for door-to-door campaigns, saying it is not up to the police to set rules during elections.
He likewise questioned the lack of action over offences in previous by-elections given the police’s “enthusiasm” in enforcing new rules.
“We are of the view that during the election, the spirit of Article 10 of the Federal Constitution regarding freedom of speech, expression, assembly and association should be observed and respected to a higher degree.
“We want the people to hear the candidates and see for themselves (who the candidates are).”
Barisan Nasional trounced PH by a 15,086-vote majority in the Tanjung Piai by-election on Nov 16.
The by-election was triggered by the death of former incumbent Md Farid Md Rafik due to heart complications. It was the ninth by-election since PH took over the government last year.