EC in grand plan to halt Internet campaigning at midnight

The Election Commission which has come under attack for failing to reign on government-owned channels campaigning for Barisan Nasional, is now seeking help from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to ensure that political parties stop propagating online when the campaign period for the coming general election ends at midnight before polling day.

“In the past, the campaign only involves putting up flags and posters of certain parties. Today, with the advancement of technology, there are many media to spread information," said EC deputy secretary Noordin Che Ngah, adding that the directive would cover all social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs.

However, he stopped short of saying whether the same would apply to the traditional media such as television and daily newspapers, largely owned and controlled by the BN.

“EC has given enough time for parties involved in the election to campaign. So use the time wisely, and immediately stop when the time is up,” he told Malay daily Sinar Harian, while conceding that the Commission could not enforce the new rule without MCMC's help.

Noordin also pleaded the public to trust the EC in conducting a transparent election.

“Try to have confidence in EC because we are always ready to give our best during polling day and carry out our responsibility with utmost honesty,” he said.

The EC has come under renewed criticism after it was recently revealed that a Filipino national who was recently convicted on a charge of possessing a fake MyKad, had his name registered by EC as a legal voter.

-Harakahdaily