PKR’s ‘crowdless ceramah’ breached pandemic SOPs, say cops

 

PKR had asked the health and home ministries to give details on allowed campaigning methods for the Melaka state elections.

MELAKA: Police confirmed today that a compound of RM10,000 was issued to PKR for violating the ban by the health ministry on mobile speeches.

State CID chief Azlan Abu said the compound was in line with the provisions in the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Regulations 2021.

“Police have ordered the organiser to stop the programme under SOPs in Phase Four of the national recovery plan.

“The SOPs forbid programmes related to the state elections and those that can result in a public gathering in a place which makes physical distancing difficult,” he said in a statement.

PKR information chief Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, who confirmed earlier today that the party had been fined, said the health and home ministries should give details on allowable campaign methods for the state elections.

Shamsul Iskandar, who is Hang Tuah Jaya MP, said the “crowdless” speeches were made at the Paya Rumput state constituency with party leaders speaking from a modified truck that served as the stage.

“Those who listened to the ceramah were at home, either following the speeches via livestream or from the porches of their homes,” he said.

Prior to this, Muda and Barisan Nasional had also been fined.

The ban on public election activities from Oct 25 to Nov 27 was announced by health minister Khairy Jamaluddin on Oct 24. The elections will be held on Nov 20. - FMT