Permits for door-to-door campaigns not a last-minute decision, says Liew

Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan flags line the streets in Tanjung Piai ahead of the by-election this Saturday. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: De facto law minister Liew Vui Keong today rubbished complaints that the directive for all candidates in Tanjung Piai to obtain a police permit for house-to-house visits was a last-minute decision made in bad faith.

He said discussions on the matter had been held on nomination day between the police, the Election Commission (EC) and the candidates’ agents.

“The discussions were held on the first day. Forty-two permits were approved by the police.

“It was not new nor was it decided at the last minute,” he said to Azalina Othman Said (BN-Pengerang) who said the instruction was announced close to the end of the campaign period and appeared to have been made in bad faith.

She also said electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 had objected to the decision.

“Maybe the government is afraid to lose because the instructions lack logic as there was never a rule to ask for permits to go into people’s homes, unless the country is headed towards communism,” she said.

But Liew said the country has had laws to follow since independence, adding that every election and by-election is held according to the rule of law.

“In any election, we are all on the same playing field, urging voters to vote for their respective candidates,” he said.

Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali (PH-Bagan Serai) meanwhile asked if any action had been taken against those who held walkabouts in the last eight by-elections before this.

Liew said according to EC records, no wrongdoing had been done on those occasions.

Awang Solahudin (PAS-Pendang) however pointed out that the announcement was made by the EC, not the police.

Two days ago, EC chairman Azhar Harun told all parties or candidates involved in the Tanjung Piai by-election to comply with regulations stipulated for campaigning, particularly those involving permit applications.

Azhar said the rules were laid down following discussions between officers of the commission and the Pontian police chief.

“These include walkabout programmes which require permits. As they are considered a form of moving campaign, the time and location must be stated clearly so they can be monitored,” Azhar said in a statement.

He also said any activities involving house-to-house visits must obtain a permit from the police as they constitute a form of campaigning. - FMT