Police ruling not introduced midway of campaigning, says EC chief

TG PIAI POLLS | A police permit directive for mobile campaigns was made known after the close of nominations for the Tanjung Piai parliamentary by-election on Nov 2, and not introduced midway in the campaign period, according to the Election Commission (EC).

EC chairperson Azhar Azizan Harun (photo) said representatives of the candidates did not raise objections when told of the ruling.

“They did not object and many came to apply for the permit after the directive was issued by the police," he told reporters today after witnessing the process of checking ballot boxes and distributing equipment to heads of polling centres at Dewan Jubli Intan Sultan Ibrahim in Pontian. 

“So, it wasn’t introduced in the middle of the campaign. It is a lie and I think those who perpetrated that lie did that in bad faith and those people who said that the EC was the one who came out with that condition, is also doing so in bad faith," Azhar said.

The requirement for a permit for house-to-house campaigns and walkabouts has become an issue but police have since clarified that it is meant to help police maintain law and order, including preventing fights and other undesirable incidents involving supporters of contesting parties.

However, Attorney-General Tommy Thomas yesterday said a police permit was not required for house-to-house campaigns and walkabouts by candidates and their supporters.

He said there was no clear provision for this under Section 24(B) of the Election Offences Act 1954.

“The AG is the chief legal officer of the government has come out with a guideline and his interpretation of the law. Yes, we agree with his advice. His interpretation of the law is correct, there is no necessity for a permit for walkabouts or house-to-house visits,” Azhar said.

The chairperson also reminded everyone not to wear shirts with names, logos or any other symbols associated with the candidates and contesting parties within a 50-metre radius of the polling centres.

No one should canvass for support for any candidates in these places, he said.

“I really hope such acts will not recur because previously (in by-elections) a few people including candidates resorted to this," he said.

“I do not know whether they did not understand, forgot or intentionally did that but I would like to urge them to refrain from doing it.” 

Azhar also advised all voters to cast their ballots early tomorrow.

The by-election is a six-cornered fight involving Pakatan Harapan’s Karmaine Sardini, BN’s Wee Jeck Seng, Berjasa’s Badhrulhisham Abdul Aziz, Gerakan’s Wendy Subramaniam and two independent candidates - Ang Chuan Lock and Faridah Aryani Abd Ghaffar.

The by-election was triggered by the death of incumbent MP, Dr Md Farid Md Rafik of Harapan, on Sept 21, due to heart complications. 

— Bernama