THE Election Commission (EC) has spent about RM3.02 million to accommodate the seven by-elections that had taken place so far this year.
This was figure revealed to Malay Mail by EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof (pic) .
Topping the charts is the Manek Urai by-election in Kelantan on July 14 with a total expense of RM548,003, followed by Penanti in Penang on May 31 with RM514,600.
The third most expensive by-election this year was Penang’s Permatang Pasir on Aug 25, with a total of RM461,367. This was closely followed by the Bukit Gantang by-election in Perak, one of the three by-elections held simultaneously on April 7, with RM460,971. The third and fourth placing had a difference of a mere RM396.
The by-election in Batang Ai, Sarawak on April 7 cost the EC a total of RM391,700, making it the fifth most expensive. This was followed by the Kuala Terengganu by-election on Jan 17 which amounted to RM325,416.
The least expensive by-election held this year is Bukit Selambau in Kedah also on April 7, at a cost of RM318,000.
Abdul Aziz said that for State elections, the average amount spent by the EC averages about RM450,000 or RM500,000 at most.
Parliamentary elections would usually cost no more than RM600,000.
“The way I see it, there is good and bad in every situation, with the bad obviously being the cost factor.
“People are calling out for by-elections everywhere in the country so easily these days, but not many realise that you need to spend a lot of time, money and effort to prepare and coordinate things, especially with so many government departments being involved at the same time.”
It would also cost political parties a lot of expenditure as well, with money being spent on campaigning and deposits.
“If a by-election is organised because someone died and the seat became vacant, it’s fine. But like in the case of Bukit Selambau and Penanti, the representatives resigned. That actually makes the situation a lot harder,” said Abdul Aziz.
He said people need to understand that holding a by-election is no easy task. It takes a lot of manpower, time and money — resources that Malaysians consider to be quite limited right now.
“Politicians need to understand that they can’t just simply resign from their posts for the smallest of reasons. Although it is not against the law, it is morally wrong to do so.
“People elect you for a reason, because they believe in you, or at least they believe that you are capable enough to fight for their cause. So, it is morally wrong for you to resign from your post so easily because not only are you letting a lot of people down but it adds stress to the government as well.”
It was reported that the bulk of government expenses is used to deploy police personnel to maintain peace during the elections.
On this, Abdul Aziz said this could also be due to the changing trends of party supporters in showing their support on nomination and polling day.
“Ever since Pak Lah (Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) took over as Prime Minister in 2003, he introduced an ‘open concept’, promoting transparency.
“When people start to know more about their rights, they become more vocal in their grouses. This could also be the reason people these days tend to get into fights more easily.”
While all that is said and done, what would be the good thing about the many by-elections this year?
“I get a super fast-track training in my first term as EC chairman,” quipped Abdul Aziz.
