By-elections: waste of whose funds?

According to Sunday Star:
Najib: BN may not contest polls

PEKAN: Barisan Nasional may not contest the Penanti state by-election if there is a consensus among all component parties that it will be a waste of funds, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
The Prime Minister said the Umno and Barisan supreme councils would hold meetings at the end of the month to decide whether to participate in the by-election in Penang.
Najib said he would not rule out the possibility of Barisan not contesting, as the latest by-election was “clearly a political ploy” by the Opposition.
“No, we are not afraid of losing to them but it is a sheer waste of public funds. Whatever decision we are to make, we will take into consideration whether it benefits the people.
“Besides, we would have no qualms about contesting if it was done in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution,” he said at a press conference held at his residence near here yesterday.
…

According to Saturday Star, front page:

Costly polls
The five by-elections which have been held in the country following the 2008 general election have cost Malaysian taxpayers Rm33.4mil.

(Breakdown):
P44 Permatang Pauh (Aug 26, 2008)
SPR: Rm409,000
Police:Rm2.5million

P36 Kuala Terengganu (Jan 24, 2009)
SPR: Rm580,000
Police: Rm11.5mil.

P59 Bukit Gantang (April 7, 2009)
SPR:Rm600,000
Police: Rm7 mil.

N25 Bukit Selambau (April 7, 2009)
SPR: Rm400,000
Police: Rm5mil.

N29 Batang Ai (April 7, 2009)
SPR: Rm400,000
Police: Rm5mil.

Where the money went:
Election Commission (SPR):
On paying election workers, staff allowances, printing costs, transportation including helicopters and accommodation.

Police:
On temporary bases and tents, logistics and transportation, accommodation, rental, electricity and outstation allowances.

Political parties:
Millions on printing billboards, banners, posters, newsletters, logistics, transportation, accommodation and food for volunteers.

My comments:
Police expenditure stood out like a sore thumb for Kuala Terengganu mainly because of a few thousand police sent there from other states. I can still remember the high cost of tents being queried.

The BN incurred exceptionally higher costs (undisclosed) because of alleged buying of votes and providing buses to transport voters from outside the state of Terengganu which did not work out.

The main difference between BN and PR is also the costs of providing for the supporters in the case of BN while the latter depends on supporters providing own transport and accommodation.

Besides, there is also the open secret of BN using government facilities in providing for the transport and accommodation of ministers and other leaders from other states. These expenditures will really be saved if BN gave a walkover in Penanti. Maybe, it is worthwhile to wait and see, if BN decides to do so.
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