The Star - February 14, 2008

Ensure candidates are 'clean'

KUALA LUMPUR: Parties presenting candidates for the general elections should ensure that they are not corrupt, said Transparency International Malaysia.

Its president Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam also called for the removal of candidates with bad records or service or who have been perceived as being corrupt.

In a statement on Thursday, Navaratnam said there should be more liberal treatment for requests for election rallies and more press coverage for opposition candidates.

He said there should be monitoring of money politics and a clampdown on campaign funding that was above the approved legal limits.

“The Election Commission should ensure full transparency and integrity and accountability in the election process,” he added.