Although nomination day is still 11 days away, BN workers in Machap are already busy making preparations for the by-election.

According to Utusan Malaysia today, numerous party workers were seen putting the final touches on BN's operation room in Machap Baru.

The daily reports that Alor Gajah Municipal Council authorities (MPAG) and its contractors were busy preparing the town for the event.

The road leading towards Dewan Japerun Bukit - the official launchpad of BN's election machinery - have been newly paved by MPAG workers, said the daily.

Apart from road works, the front portion of the hall has also be adorned with several new potted plants and several new lampposts.

BN posters already up

The daily also reports that numerous BN flags and posters have been erected around Machap raising the campaign temperature among the populace.

Opposition campaign materials however are nowhere to be seen.

Election procedure expert Abd Malek Hussin, when contacted by malaysiakini, said it was 'unlawful, improper and a grave misconduct' for anyone to put up campaign materials or start canvassing for votes before the campaign period.

"No putting up of any campaign material is allowed before confirmation of nominations," said Abd Malek, who heads election watchdog Malaysians for Free and Fair Elections (Mafrel).

He added that the regulation of public campaign materials such as flags and posters should be enforced by the local authorities.

According to the Elections Offences Act 1954, campaign materials including leaflets, brochures, flags or any form of temporary billboards were subject to by-laws of any local authority.