It said the event would coincide with nomination day for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election and involve traditional Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house activities such a “kenduri” (thanksgiving feast) and the gifting of token sums of money in the form of “duit raya”.

In a statement, Bersih said organising a “kenduri” during an election period is an offence under Section 8 of the Election Offences Act while giving monetary gifts during an election period is an offence under Section 10 of the same Act.

The open house, organised by the state government, will be attended by menteri besar Amirudin Shari, state executive councillors and other state leaders. It is expected to draw some 25,000 visitors.

Section 8 of the Election Offences Act 1954 prohibits the giving of food, drinks or entertainment to influence voters, while Section 10 prohibits bribery through the giving of money, gifts, or other incentives to voters or potential candidates.

Bersih also warned against the use of state government resources for the open house and during the election period.

“(The state government) needs to ensure that the event is not used as a platform to introduce candidates from the ruling party component, and subsequently campaign by displaying flags and other campaign methods aimed at helping their candidates win,” it said.

It likewise reiterated its call for all political parties, as well as the Selangor state government and federal government, to uphold ethical standards during campaigning to safeguard the integrity and fairness of elections.

The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, to be held on May 11, was called after the death of incumbent assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong of DAP.

DAP’s Pang Sock Tao, who is housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming’s press secretary, will contest the seat for Pakatan Harapan.

Meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional will field Bersatu’s Hulu Selangor acting chief, Khairul Azhari Saut.