House-to-house campaigning still possible with strict rules: Election select committee
Parliament Special Select Committee on Election chairperson Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh has expressed concern over several standard operating procedures (SOPs) being adopted for the Chini by-election.
This included the disallowing of house-to-house campaigning and ceramah gatherings.
- Added comments by EC chairperson Azhar Harun.
CHINI POLLS | Parliament Special Select Committee on Election chairperson Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh has expressed concern over several standard operating procedures (SOPs) being adopted for the Chini by-election.
This included the disallowing of house-to-house campaigning and ceramah gatherings.
Although welcoming measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during the campaign period, Syed Ibrahim (above) expressed concern in light of the fact that Chini is a rural constituency.
“We are concerned with the conditions for campaigning when Chini is known as a rural constituency with Felda settlers and Orang Asli.
“Even though we are in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, the principles of a free and fair election, and democratic process must be upheld,” he said in a statement today.
The Ledang MP urged the Election Commission (EC) to work with the government and private media organisations to ensure all candidates are accorded fair and reasonable reach, as well as airtime.
“I understand the Communications and Multimedia Ministry is prepared to enhance Internet capacity and coverage... what is needed now is to expand coverage via mainstream and private media, especially television and radio.
“I also believe house-to-house campaigning can still be allowed with strict conditions such as social distancing, wearing of face masks and (visits) not exceeding four people,” Syed Ibrahim, who is also Johor PKR chief, said.
On Monday, EC chairperson Azhar Harun (below) announced the SOPs to be in place from nomination day on June 20 to polling on July 4.
Four main aspects to be covered are adherence to social distancing guidelines, wearing face masks, hand sanitising and recording temperatures.
Aside from no ceramah and house visits, no processions or gatherings will be permitted on nomination and polling days. Candidates are urged to maximise their online presence via social media.
In his statement, Syed Ibrahim asked that the EC and government present amendments to the relevant election laws and procedures reflect the “new normal” in the wake of Covid-19.
“And possibly, a brainstorming session is held with all stakeholders as a prerequisite.”
He added the Parliament Select Committee can play an important role to serve as check and balance to the EC and government and can help ease the process of electoral reforms, as suggested by the Electoral Reform Committee (ERC).
“The SOP is focussed towards preventing or lowering Covid-19 infection risks as much as possible. We do not want an election cluster."
As for Syed Ibrahim’s call for the EC to work with media organisations to ensure all candidates are accorded fair and reasonable reach, Azhar said he has no power to compel the media to do so, especially those run by non-government media.
On the suggestion the EC presents amendments to relevant election laws and procedures to reflect the “new normal” in the wake of Covid-19, he responded none were needed as Malaysia already allows for representatives such as a proposer to be present for candidates on nomination day, and allows postal voting.
“It is just a matter of utilisation”.
The Chini seat fell vacant after the incumbent, Abu Bakar Harun, 60, from BN, died at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital of a heart attack on May 6.
In the GE14 in 2018, Abu Bakar polled 10,027 votes to win the seat by a majority of 4,622 against PAS candidate Mohd Fadhil Noor Abdul Karim who obtained 5,405 votes and Mohamad Razali Ithnain of PKR (1,065).
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