JOKER PARTY! EC must CONDEMN Umno plan to use SEX-AND-SMUT at Kajang by-election

I refer to the statement on 2nd February by Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan that Umno will run a campaign of sexual allegations against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Kajang by-election. This is an unethical, dirty and desperate bid by Umno to challenge Anwar and Pakatan Rakyat in the crucial upcoming by-election.

It is unprecedented for a major political party to publicly announce that it will be running a 'sex and smut' campaign against a political opponent.

Umno appears unaware that it is morally reprehensible to plan and conduct such an election campaign. Worse, the sodomy allegations and alleged sex video were themselves part of a baseless smear campaign orchestrated by UMNO and the BN government since 1998.

In short, Umno plans to use their own fabricated allegations against Anwar to cheat and mislead voters during the by-election.

Vilification and character assassination

Fearful of the impact of rising prices and widespread corruption on their election chances, Umno is resorting to the politics of vilification and character assassination. This sickening type of election strategy degrades public discourse and undermines democratic debate.

Umno's decision to conduct a 'sex and smut' campaign could not have been taken without the connivance and approval of Najib Razak as President of Umno; and Najib must bear full responsibility for the campaign methods of Umno and the BN. It is a shame and embarrassment to our country that the Prime Minister has allowed this type of foul and underhand campaign to be conducted by his own political party.

EC must respond

The Election Commission must urgently respond and condemn Umno's 'sex and smut' campaign plan. The EC Chairman must summon Umno President Najib Razak and demand an explanation of Ahmad Maslan's shocking announcement.

The EC Chairman must be uncompromising and pro-active in defending the integrity of the election process; it is his constitutional duty to do so under Article 113 of the Federal Constitution. Failure to do so will prove incontrovertibly that the EC is a toothless tiger, and is biased in favor of the ruling BN.

Meanwhile, Najib and Umno must publicly withdraw their plans of a 'sex and smut' campaign, and pledge a clean and fair campaign in the Kajang by-election.

N SURENDRAN, VICE PRESIDENT, KEADILAN, MP PADANG SERAI