Election expenses came under the spotlight during the Question session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

In a written reply to Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah), Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi revealed the campaign expenditure by the parties of the candidates.

Barisan Nasional (BN) spent RM100,000 for Ijok by-election campaign, while Parti Keadilan Rakyat spent RM86,300.

For the Machap by-election, the BN spent RM89,955 against the DAP's RM15,876.

Abdullah also said the Election Commission (EC) would not act on complaints of 'money politics' in both by-elections, saying it has no authority to charge anyone on this matter.

"It is up to whichever party that has evidence on (breach of laws) to lodge police reports or to present an election petition to the high court," he said.

On another matter, Abdullah said that emoluments amounting to RM34 billion would be paid out to police, civil servants and armed forces this year. This is an increase of RM4 billion over last year.

It was announced earlier that a pay hike - ranging from 7.5 to 35 percent - will take effect for the civil service from July 1.

"With this pay hike, the government is convinced that government officers will enjoy a better standard of living, in particular officers in the support group," Abdullah said.

"The government hopes that all officers would give their full commitment to their tasks and to provide high-quality service to the people in line with the government's efforts to improve the public service delivery system."