Bersih, Projek Sama, Engage, Tindak Malaysia, and Rise of Social Efforts (ROSE) said the EC’s involvement in these initiatives, which see various government agencies “adopting” schools or local communities, could erode public confidence in its independence.

“The EC is mandated to run elections, propose electoral boundaries, and maintain the electoral roll. Participation in Madani initiatives reflects poorly on its independence,” they said in a joint statement.

The groups said that instead of channelling funds for school infrastructure and village development, the EC should focus on educating local communities on their democratic right and responsibility to vote, and training election officers.

They also called for the EC to be detached from the federal civil service to further ensure its independence, and for it to report directly to Parliament rather than being placed under the Prime Minister’s Department.

The Madani programmes launched this year see funds channelled towards infrastructure upgrades, educational support, and financial assistance in these schools and local communities.

The EC had “adopted” a secondary school in Segamat, Johor, channelling funds for curriculum programmes, co-curricular activities, and ICT equipment.

It also channelled funds for infrastructure works in several villages in Batu Pahat, while promoting voter registration.

While such initiatives can benefit local communities, the NGOs said being seen as part of government-led development programmes risked compromising the EC’s neutrality.