KUALA LUMPUR: Electoral watchdog Bersih has questioned the Selangor government over plans to organise a Hari Raya open house in Kuala Kubu Baharu on nomination day for the by-election in the state seat.

In a statement, Bersih said the event may violate several provisions in the Elections Offenses Act.

"Based on the brochure for the event we received, there will be various activities including the serving of food and the distribution of 'duit raya'.

"Organising feasts during an election period violates Section 8 (of the Election Offenses Act) while giving 'duit raya' is an offense under Section 10."

Bersih said the Selangor government, led by the unity coalition, must ensure the event is not used as a platform to introduce candidates from the unity coalition, as organising the open house would use state funds.

It said party flags and other campaign materials should not be present at the event.

Bersih said political parties and candidates should avoid organising party-level or personal open houses as it would violate the Election Offenses Act.

Nominations for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election will be held tomorrow, with voting set for May 11.

The by-election was triggered by the death of its incumbent, DAP's Lee Kee Hiong, on March 21.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/04/1042834/bersih-flags-selangor-govt-over-raya-open-house-kkb