‘Strange to allow coffee shops to open but campaigning banned’

The Election Commission should review its campaigning rules in the Malacca state election to meet the demands of democracy, said its former deputy chairperson Wan Ahmad Wan Omar.

He said he is cognisant of the fact that the strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) were requested by the Health Ministry and National Security Council.

Nevertheless, he said if eateries and supermarkets are allowed to operate, then campaign activities should also be allowed, albeit with strict monitoring.

“Campaigns are part of democratic elections. We let people go to supermarkets and hang out at coffee shops - it is strange that this is allowed (but not campaigning).

“I think ceramah should be allowed, but there must be a pledge to follow the SOPs.

“There needs to be space for physical campaigns. Candidates should be given the chance to meet voters to introduce themselves and make their case to them,” he said when contacted.

Previously, it was reported that Umno was unhappy with the campaign SOPs and considered them excessive.

“We might as well not have an election. We can’t have house-to-house walkabouts, can’t do that, can’t do anything. We might as well stay home,” Umno deputy president Mohamad Hassan told reporters after launching BN’s manifesto in Ayer Keroh, Malacca.

Likewise, Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainuddin had urged the EC to relax the campaign SOPs.

Meanwhile, Wan Ahmad said not all voters are social media-savvy even though most campaign activities now take place online.

He said about 30 percent of Malacca voters are age 60 and above, and many would not be familiar with social media.

“Not all voters are social media-savvy. They need the old ways of seeing the contesting candidates…

“I understand why political parties are frustrated. The rules are quite excessive to the point that you can’t do this and that,” he said. - Mkini