Six state polls estimated to cost RM420 million, says minister

KUALA LUMPUR - The overall cost of elections in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan is estimated at RM420 million.

Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said during campaigning it is mandatory for all parties involved in campaigning to follow regulations outlined in the Election Offences Act 1954 (Act 5) and other pertinent election-related laws.

She said the Election Commission (EC) recommends that all parties involved in the elections to submit reports to the appropriate departments or agencies, such as the police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to carry out checks of wrongdoing during the electoral process.

“This was to enable immediate investigations and actions to be taken by the department or agencies.

“The EC for this purpose needs comprehensive cooperation and it is the responsibility of all parties and stakeholders involved in ensuring affairs of the election campaigns are carried out smoothly and orderly,” she said when answering a question in Dewan Rakyat, today.

Azalina was answering to Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (Pas-Kubang Kerian) who asked on the total estimated cost for elections in six states and the government’s guarantee to ensure government facilities were not misused by the ruling party for the election campaigns.