KUALA LUMPUR: The Election Commission (EC) is reviewing spending limits for election candidates as part of efforts to improve the Election Offences Act 1954 (EOA), says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
In a parliamentary written reply dated Feb 25, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department said the expenditure pertains to the candidates' own spending, not that of political parties.
“The maximum expenditure permitted for each parliamentary candidate is RM200,000 and RM100,000 for each state assembly candidate,” she said.
“However, the EC is currently reviewing the appropriateness of the existing expenditure limits for candidates, as well as the suitability of factoring in party expenditure during elections, in an effort to improve the EOA,” she added.
She said the EC is also studying digital campaigning practices undertaken by some candidates, including the cost of advertising on social media, in line with new election campaign practices.
“Consultations with all relevant stakeholders will be conducted to ensure that amendments to the EOA are orderly and take into account the views of those involved,” she said.
Accordingly, the EC has not yet finalised the proposed amendments, pending the completion of the consultation process,” she added.
She was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli (PH-Pandan) on plans to amend the EOA, particularly regarding the expenditure limits for state assembly and parliamentary candidates, which are considered outdated and impractical.
He also asked for clarification on which new election campaign practices, such as digital campaigning, should be incorporated into the Act and the proposed amendments.
