Corrupt practices are 'legitimised' when the government approves special allocations for infrastructure projects during elections, said Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail at the Dewan Rakyat today.

While debating the amendments to the Election Offences Act 1954, Wan Azizah said that there are special allocations made for projects and loans to be given out when there is a whiff of an election.

"Roads which have been neglected all this while are immediately tarred [prior to elections]," she said, indicating that such forms of 'bribery' by the ruling party should be factored in.

The Election Offences (Amendment) Bill 2002, tabled by de facto Law Minister Dr Rais Yatim on Monday, include tighter rules and regulations and higher penalty such as fines and jail terms for offenders and EC officers who fail to carry out their duties in the independent spirit of the election process.

13-point memorandum

Wan Azizah further claimed that, constituencies which have elected representatives from the opposition are punished for rejecting the ruling party.

The MP for Permatang Pauh said this trend reflects badly on the maturity of party politics and understanding of democracy in the country.

"The Federal Constitution states that a political party, whoever it is, must be ensured of its right to implement its own manifesto," she added.

Wan Azizah said Keadilan had submitted a 13-point memorandum to the Election Commission on March 6, suggesting ways to improve the election process.

Prior to that, she added, the party had submitted a memorandum to the Commission, complaining of incidents of violence in the January Indera Kayangan by-election in Perlis.

Meanwhile, Yusof Yacob (BN-Sipitang) maintained the ruling party's position and dismissed opposition claims that the amendments were meant to stifle the opposition.

"The tense situation in the Pendang and Anak Bukit by-elections (in Kedah) made the amendments necessary," he said.

"By-elections are tainted with immoral acts that could threaten public peace," he further claimed.

Yusof said the amendments are also necessary to ensure that democracy is exercised the 'Malaysian way' "so that our election system can be an example for others."