The electoral watchdog group, Bersih 2.0 had called out to Perikatan Nasional (PN) for its latest initiative targeted at reducing the cost of living of the residents of Melaka.
Bersih had claimed that the initiative runs afoul of the electoral laws as the Melaka state assembly has been dissolved on 4 October.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Bersih said although the Gerai Prihatin Rakyat initiative does not involve the coalition giving out essential items to the people for free, the items were still sold at very low prices.
Hence, it claims that this initiative could influence voters to support parties and candidates.
The Gerai Prihatin Rakyat initiative had been running even before the dissolution of the state assembly, and under this initiative, the coalition is said to be selling essentials such as fresh chicken, a tray of eggs, and potatoes being sold for just RM15 each.
Meanwhile, the next Gerai Prihatin Rakyat is scheduled to be held in Klebang, Melaka on Saturday (30 October).
Bersih said such activities are considered as an election offence under Section 8 of the Election Offences Act 1954.
“This can lead to its organisers, including PN leaders like Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen, Muhyiddin Yassin and the companies involved being jailed for up to two years or fined up to RM5,000, if found guilty.”
“Bersih urges all parties to observe the spirit of clean and fair elections.”
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Read the statement from Bersih here:
 for its latest initiative targeted at reducing the cost of living of the residents of Melaka.){kind=link}