Election Commission dismisses Oct 13 polls claims

KUALA LUMPUR: For a brief moment, many Malaysians had the impression that the country’s upcoming general election would be held in two months.

Friday the 13th was the most talked-about date yesterday, after a video depicting Election Commission (EC) officers conducting training for the polls was leaked.

For many who anticipated that the election would take place after the 2017 Sea Games, their excitement was rather shortlived as the EC was quick to debunk the fake news in its press release.

In the 39-second clip that has made its rounds on social media, a man was seen speaking to an audience in a hall announcing that the 14th General Election would be held on Oct 13.

“I hereby announce that early voting will be held on Oct 11, 2017, and voting day on Oct 13, 2017, voting centres will be notified...,” said the unnamed announcer.

Much hype has been built around the next election since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak sounded the election war drums during his presidential policy speech when opening the 2016 Umno General Assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre here.

Najib had hinted that election was nearing during Umno’s 71st anniversary celebration in May when he asked the crowd in Bukit Jalil National Stadium here if they were ready for the election.

“Are we prepared enough? Can I dissolve Parliament tomorrow?” Najib had said.

In a statement issued by the EC yesterday, the viral video was said to have been shared by irresponsible parties and had confused the people.

“The video is a training simulation for EC employees.

“EC will monitor and investigate any form of false news being uploaded on social media to ensure the commission’s reputation is not adversely affected.”