The Election Commission (EC) was today urged by Rural and Regional Development Minister Shafie Apdal to start "enforcing rules" if it wanted to prevent a "sex and smut" campaign in the Kajang by-election.

Although many rules are formulated, it is enforcement that would make a difference, Shafie told a press conference this morning.

He said this in response to questions on the EC's directive that all parties must observe ethics in the coming Kajang by-election.

Shafie's own Umno compatriot, Ahmad Maslan ( right ), declared that a "sex and smut" campaign would be used against opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim in the by-election.

However, Shafie would not say whether he supported such a campaign against Anwar.

"There are many rules put in place but it's the enforcement that is weak," Shafie said. "Too many rules, but what's the use if no form of enforcement is carried out?"