I concur with electoral watchdog Bersih. The election court’s decision to nullify PAS candidate Ahmad Amzad Hashim’s victory in Kuala Terengganu proves there was vote-buying.
This means there was bribery and corruption during the 15th general election (GE15) last November in the contest for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat and hence, the former MP should be charged in court.
On June 27, High Court judge Mohd Firuz Jaffril allowed the election petition by BN’s candidate for the constituency, Mohd Zubir Embong.
The judge ruled, among others, that there was an element of bribery in the distribution of financial aid from the state government — via the i-Belia and i-Student initiatives — prior to GE15.
So, it was clear that voters were bribed into voting for the PAS candidate. Even if the financial aid came from the state government, which was helmed by PAS, it would be difficult to explain that the candidate from the ruling party had no knowledge of it.
If he had then, why didn’t he put a stop to it, knowing that bribing voters was against the election rules.
When candidates or parties indulge in vote-buying which is not uncommon, they are aware of the risks involved. If no election petitions are filed after the election, they will get away scot-free. If there is, they will have to face the music, as evidenced from the Kuala Terengganu case.
Having been an electoral candidate myself, I can understand and appreciate the lowly feeling of defeat. However, knowing that you lost in a clean and fair contest was okay as there will always be winners and losers in any contest.
But if you know for certain that you were defeated because your opponent was buying votes and involved in electoral fraud, that leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Your next move will be to seek justice at the election court.
So, the defeated BN candidate in Kuala Terengganu did the right thing to file an election petition. He was proven right. His PAS opponent won through fraudulent means — ie via vote-buying.
Many NGOs in the country have endorsed Bersih’s ideals as an electoral watchdog. I am also glad to be involved with Bersih in a small way and has supported its quest for electoral reforms.
Needless to say, I am totally against electoral fraud and vote-buying for it undermines public trust and confidence in democratic elections.
When elections are marred by vote-buying, it also erodes the legitimacy of elected officials, which is worse.
Citizens expect their votes to count and their elected representatives to act in their best interests. However, when the integrity of the electoral system is compromised, it leads to disillusionment, cynicism, and a lack of faith in democratic institutions. This can ultimately weaken the stability and functionality of a democratic society.
So, what should we do? To safeguard the democratic process and ensure the fairness and legitimacy of elections, it is crucial to combat vote-buying through legal measures, public awareness campaigns, and robust enforcement of election laws.
The onus is on us, as responsible citizens, to help ensure that our sacred votes are legitimately utilised to put good leaders into public office.
Let us foster a culture of active citizenship and civic engagement. Encourage one another to participate in the political process beyond voting, such as joining advocacy groups and holding elected officials accountable.
As a media practitioner, I would also appeal to fellow Malaysians to support independent media and ensure that it has the freedom to report objectively and critically on political candidates and parties.
Meanwhile, I wish to repeat my support for Bersih’s call for the ex-MP to be charged for an election offence as it has been proven that corruption has taken place.
If the candidate is not charged for committing the election offence, this means that if he wants to run for the seat again, he can do so. Where is the justice then?
As I write this, the Election Commission has announced that since PAS has decided not to appeal the court decision, a by-election date for the seat would be announced soon.
At the same time, PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said it is highly possible that PAS would field Amzad again, since he is still eligible to defend his seat. What does that tell us? Those found guilty of committing an election offence are allowed to contest again as if he had done no wrong.
Are we not back to square one?
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
