Anwar flouting electoral laws?
(fz.com) – Opposition leader and Kajang by-election candidate Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could be charged under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (PAA) for early campaigning.
In an SMS reply to Berita Harian, Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said the official campaign for the by-election will only kick off on March 11 and the police could act against Anwar under the PAA for early campaigning.
“The campaign period will start after nomination day and end at midnight on March 22,” he said, adding that early campaigning is prohibited under the law.
Anwar, who is also the PKR de-facto leader has been making his rounds in Kajang and organised a series of talks there after he announced his candidacy.
The state seat fell vacant after PKR incumbent Lee Chin Cheh tendered his resignation on January 27 on the pretext that it was for the benefit of the party.
Meanwhile, MCA party President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai urged the EC to take stern action against those parties who break electoral rules.
“Early campaigning is against the rules and the EC should have acted immediately as many reports have been lodged regarding the matter.”
Liow said the party is still preparing for the by-election and planning programmes to reach the grassroots.
“We have shortlisted several candidates that would probably contest in the by-election next month.
“We would also consider feedback from the voters on the candidates before submitting the list to Barisan Nasional (BN).”
He said the MCA candidate will be announced ahead of the nominations.
