Displaying campaign materials of political parties before or after the election period is not an offence under the Election Offences Act, said Election Commission chairperson Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman.

He stressed that the commission had no jurisdiction over parties that put up election banners and billboards outside of the campaigning period.

"Our law (Election Offences Act which regulates the content of campaign materials) operates only during election time.

"Now is not election time, so we do not have control over these matters. As long as the local government approves, they can go ahead and put up anything," he said when contacted yesterday.

He however said the enforcement of such activities falls under the purview of local authorities.

Abdul Rashid was responding to a question regarding a Barisan Nasional (BN) billboard spotted along Jalan P Ramlee in Penang.

The billboard depicts a cross-checked box next to a photograph of Prime Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and bears the caption 'Undilah Barisan Nasional' (Vote for BN).

Meanwhile, the Penang Municipal Council appears to be in the dark over the matter.

Its officer in charge of licencing, Ang Soon Wah, said he was not aware of the signboard but added that it was illegal to put up such boards before an election is called.

He explained that the local councils will approve such campaign paraphernalia only after they receive a letter from the prime minister informing them that the general election has been called.

"Then we can issue a permit for the boards but its contents fall under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission.

"If the boards are illegal, we will tear it down," he added when contacted.

Double standards

Commenting on the issue, opposition leaders in the northen state accused the council of practising double standards and turning a blind eye to pre-election campaigning.

Penang DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow urged the council to be neutral and fair to all parties.

"I do not wish to pick a fight with the council but it must avoid practising double standards when enforcing local laws. BN banners and signboards are displayed for a long time and no action is taken.

"But when it comes to us (opposition), our stuff are taken down even a few days before any of our events," he said.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) state deputy Wanita chief Aminah Abdullah rapped the council for ignoring the fact that the ruling coalition has started its campaign by putting up banners and billboards.

"If we (opposition) merely put up flags to indicate where a ceramah (political talk) is being held, enforcement officers would immediately come and tear them down, no questions asked," she stressed.

However, Lee Kah Choon - Jelutong MP from the BN component party Gerakan - claimed that he was not aware of the signboard and declined to comment on the issue.

The general election is not due until the end of this year but many expect Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to go to the polls as early as next month or April.