EC: Follow rules or face action

‘If any party breaks law, complaints can be lodged immediately’

PETALING JAYA: The Election Commission has warned candidates and parties contesting in the Balakong and Seri Setia state by-elections to stick to the rules or face action, says Election Commission member Datuk Md Yusop Mansor.

“If any party is found to have broken the law and regulations during the official campaign period, the EC wants reports or complaints lodged immediately with the authorities such as the police, Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission so that further action can be taken,” he said in a media statement issued yesterday.

He reminded the candidates and their respective parties that activities such as organising feasts, giving gifts and goods, the use of facilities and government assets were prohibited under the Election Offences Act 1954.

He added that the prohibition also covered campaign activities that have racial undertones and touch on religious sensitivities.

Md Yusop said that all forms of campaigning must cease at 11.59pm on Sept 7.

“The commission also reminds all parties that all forms of campaigning or activities to appeal for votes on polling day is prohibited.

“No party must appeal for votes through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others,” he added.

The commission fixed a 21-day period for campaigning with polling for the Seri Setia and Balakong by-elections on Sept 8.

Pakatan Harapan candidate Wong Siew Ki and MCA’s Tan Chee Teong are vying for the Balakong state seat.

Pakatan’s first-time candidate Halimey Abu Bakar will be facing off against PAS’ Dr Halimah Ali for the Seri Setia state seat.

The Balakong seat fell vacant after the death of the DAP assemblyman, Eddie Ng Thien Chee, in a road accident on July 20.

The Seri Setia seat became vacant after the death of PKR’s Prof Dr Shaharuddin Badaruddin from colon cancer on Aug 2.