PD POLLS | Bersih has called on PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim to postpone a free dinner event for 3,000 to 4,000 people in Lukut until after the Port Dickson by-election on Oct 13.

The event is scheduled to be held on Thursday night.

"Such dinner is no different from the feast thrown by (fugitive businessperson) Jho Low in Penang during the 13th general election,” Bersih said in a statement this afternoon.

It said that in the Sungai Kandis by-election on Aug 4, a free durian fest was postponed to after the by-election to avoid any breach of election laws.

“This good precedent should be followed.

"Section 8 of the Election Offences Act prohibits treating of food, drinks, refreshments or provisions to induce voters to vote for a particular candidate," it added.

Apart from this, Bersih also pointed out that Section 19 of the same Act limits the expenses in election campaigns for parliamentary seats at RM200,000.

"Therefore, the expenses incurred in the free concert in Port Dickson during the by-election should be (borne) by the candidate, his election agent or person authorised by the election agent and be included in the financial statement of the candidate’s election campaign expenditure," it said.

Previously, Anwar criticised the EC and Bersih after the organisations rebuked him for attending the Oct 6 concert, which was organised by the Anwar Ibrahim Club (AIC), Pertubuhan Khidmat Kebajikan Masyarakat Madani and Muafakat Anak Muda Port Dickson.

The following day, Anwar clarified his remark and stated that he respected the EC and Bersih.

Bersih said it took note of the PKR leader's suggestion for the organisation and EC to look into facilitating the campaign as well as to ensure that the candidates and the voters are able to access each other seamlessly in election campaigns.

“Bersih indeed encourages interaction between candidates and the electorate in election campaigns. However, we would also like to reiterate that these activities should not be done in contradiction with the international principles on free and fair elections.

“These principles, among others, require all stakeholders in an election to ensure that it is free from all forms of bribery and vote buying, there is level playing field for all candidates and political parties, and administrative neutrality and non-abuse of government machinery,” it added.

On this note, Bersih said it supported the call by EC chairperson Azhar Harun that if Anwar is allowed to enter a military camp to campaign, other candidates must also be extended the same treatment.

“Otherwise, the Defence Ministry would be seen as abusing government machinery for the Pakatan Harapan candidate,” Bersih added.