‘New normal’ practises on the campaign trail
PEKAN: The Chini by-election candidates are doing their best to adapt to the new normal while on their campaign rounds.
Barisan Nasional candidate Mohd Sharim Md Zain said the party had held discussions on the best way to campaign after the Election Commission (EC) eased up on its standard operating procedure (SOP).
“Everyone knows that this by-election is being closely watched as it is held under the recovery movement control order (MCO).
“We will ensure our machinery abides by the SOP such as using hand sanitiser, wearing face masks and taking temperature while campaigning,” he said yesterday.
Sharim, 41, felt the public had already adjusted to the conditions since the MCO was imposed more than three months ago.
He said Barisan was putting together suitable campaign programmes after the EC allowed indoor campaigning with not more than 250 people in attendance and walkabouts with only three people at a single time.
Independent candidate Tengku Datuk Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin, 64, said he was still not used to the new normal of campaigning but would comply for the safety of the people.
“So far, so good. But sometimes, there are those who forget that there is a need for social distancing and the use of hand sanitiser and face mask.
“It is not the same as before. I think it is good as many are now following the new normal,” he said.
Another independent candidate Mohd Shukri Mohd Ramli, 49, said the EC should have appointed an interim representative for Chini.
“We have an interim prime minister before this.
“Why not appoint an interim representative to take care of the constituency until a proper election can be held?
“The EC should have postponed this by-election. Since they are going ahead with it, it is my right as a citizen to take part in democracy,” he said.
Claiming he is the master of social media in Pahang, Shukri said he was running some 30 blogs.
“Even though I don’t have the financial resources and cannot promise any development projects, I have the strength in social media because about 50% of the voters are youths,” he said.