PBS complains its posters vandalized
As the campaigning intensifies with just four days to polling day in the Sandakan parliamentary by-election, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) claimed that some of its candidate’s posters have been vandalized.
PBS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai expressed disappointment over the matter, alleging that it is an act of sabotage.
“We noticed that a few election posters of PBS candidate Datuk Linda Tsen Thau Lin have been vandalized during our walkabouts. Some of the posters were torn, while others had a sticker on the candidate’s face. Such acts are very unbecoming,” he said.
A sticker with the words ‘RASUAH! PEMUSNAH BANGSA!’ was found on one of the posters.
The sticker is believed to have been printed for the launch of the Sandakan Declaration against Money Politics event initiated by one of the independent candidates, Chia Siew Yung.
Meanwhile, Election Commission (EC) secretary Datuk Mohamed Elias Abu Bakar reminded the candidates and their supporters to obey the EC rules and regulations.
He said the offences that the EC has recorded so far include organising talks without a permit, and the latest one, poster vandalism.
“I have reminded all candidates and their supporters since day one of the campaigning period to be rational, mature and professional, and to obey all the rules and regulations of the election, the police and the Sandakan Municipal Council.
“However, there are still reports of offences. We will keep these records of their offences and we will continue to monitor their campaigning activities until election day.
“If there is any case tomorrow (Wednesday), they will be exposed to court action,” he said.
Mohamed Elias urged the public and observers to report to the police if they see any offences under the EC rules and regulations and to provide complete information on the offences committed.