GE14 | Pakatan Harapan’s Petaling Jaya candidate Maria Chin Abdullah says that it is “ironic” that an election offence has been committed where she – the former Bersih chair – is contesting.

Two days before the campaigning period is set to begin, PKR flags, along with BN and PAS flags, have already been seen around the constituency.

However, she denied that her team had anything to do with putting them up.

“I think the (election) mood is catching on so some people are putting up flags on their own.

“My office has not been putting up any flags, but yes, I admit that PKR flags are definitely here.

“It is ironic and I have no answer to that,” Maria said during a press conference in Petaling Jaya today.

Maria had previously criticised BN for violating election laws by putting up their flags before nomination day, and questioned the arrest of three women who were arrested for removing some of these flags in Kuala Lumpur.

Section 24B(4) of the Election Offences Act 1954 stipulates that campaign materials can only be exhibited during the campaigning period, which begins after nomination day (April 28) and ends on polling day (May 9).

Let's talk about local elections

Earlier in the press conference, Maria launched her 14th general election manifesto for her seat, and pledged to reignite discussion on the issue of local council elections should she be elected.

She also promised to call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the possibility of reintroducing the third vote. Malaysia last had local council elections in 1965.

“In 2010, the Selangor government came out with a blueprint on local council elections, but it is still a blueprint.  

“Harapan does not have this in its agenda (as part of its manifesto), but this is my agenda, I want to raise this debate again,” she said.

Other promises in Maria’s manifesto include raising the minimum wage to a "living wage" of RM2,500, lobbying for gender equality legislation, and establishing an activity centre to empower youth.

She also reiterated her pledge to lobby for an RCI on the present electoral system.