No new guidelines on polls dos and don'ts, says MACC chief

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has no plans to issue new guidelines on the giving of aid during elections, said Chief Commissioner Azam Baki.

Speaking at a press conference after launching the use of body-worn cameras and MACC jackets in Putrajaya today, he said this was because the "dos and don'ts" provisions related to elections are clearly stated under the Election Offences Act 1954.

"Section 10 under the act is very clear about the dos and don'ts that every election candidate must follow," he said when commenting on PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man's proposal that specific guidelines be issued regarding the provision of assistance during elections.

Tuan Ibrahim was reported as saying that the guidelines are important so that all parties know the forms of aid allowed during elections.

Asked about the developments of the elections in six states and the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election on Aug 12, Azam said that so far the MACC has not received any reports related to corruption.

"Based on past experience, we have made the observation that usually within a day or two (after nomination), there are none (corruption-related reports)," he said.

MACC has launched seven operations rooms in conjunction with the state elections and by-election, which are in the MACC headquarters, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, and Terengganu. They will operate round-the-clock from July 29 until Aug 12.

Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, and Terengganu will go to the polls on Aug 12. The Kuala Terengganu by-election will be held simultaneously.

Nomination day was on July 29. Early voting is on Aug 8.