The Election Commission (EC) today refuted the allegation that it was controlling the media in connection with the Sarawak state election, said its chairperson Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman today.

He also warned against turning the commission into an election issue.

He said the EC had never obstructed the political parties, whether the ruling party or the opposition, from campaigning until polling day tomorrow.

"We don't want the EC to be politicised as an issue in the election this time. Certain groups claim that the media are unfair as they are being controlled by the EC.

"The EC has never controlled the media in their news coverage. It is the print and electronic media themselves who decide on the news coverage based on their rights fairly and equitably," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Abdul Rashid later led EC panel members to visit the operations rooms of the Sarawak National Party (Snap), Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and DAP.

Illegal ceramah

He said about 15 cases of political ceramah held by the ruling and opposition parties without permit had been reported to the EC during the 11 days of campaigning.

"Police have issued warnings to them so that they would obtain the necessary permits before organising a gathering or ceramah to avoid chaos.

"So far, I am satisfied with the situation during the campaign period. I am confident that the Sarawak election will proceed smoothly on polling day tomorrow," he said.

Asked when the earliest election result will be known, Abdul Rashid said the EC was convinced the result could be known as early as 7 pm tomorrow.

"Based on the EC preparations, including logistics, the EC is confident there will be no major problems and that the last result would be known by 11.30 pm at the latest," he added.