Veteran opposition MP Lim Kit Siang today accused the authorities of double standards after slapping PKR with a RM10,000 fine for holding a ceramah without a crowd in Malacca.
In a statement, Lim pointed out that in contrast, no action was taken against alleged crowd control violations for "disguised" electioneering events involving former prime ministers Najib Abdul Razak and Muhyiddin Yassin two days ago.
Yesterday, Malacca PKR announced that they had received a RM10,000 compound for operating a mobile stage in residential areas to speak to residents so that the latter did not have to leave their houses.
Malacca PKR chief Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin said this was a pioneer project aimed at fulfilling the Covid-19 protocols set by the Health Ministry and the party had notified the police in accordance with the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
Lim said Malacca PKR should be commended for its very novel way of electioneering because the party took into account not worsening the Covid-19 situation and furthered the objective of conducting a free and fair election.
"There is a ban on physical election campaigns and social events which involve physical contact with the voters - but it immediately ran into trouble with the 'dua darjat' (double standards) phenomenon repeating itself as action had not been taken against Najib and Muhyiddin, who had flouted the ban through 'disguised' activities in Malacca recently," he added.
If the Health Ministry cannot properly enforce its own rules, the Iskandar Puteri lawmaker said the ministry should do away with it and instead engage all stakeholders to devise new ones.
Najib was touring Malacca on Saturday. However, he insisted that he was merely a visitor and was not conducting political activities.
Muhyiddin was also in Malacca on the same day to visit several Gerai Prihatin Rakyat - stalls selling subsidised staple goods at a steep discount.
MACC urged to take action
Lim warned MACC that its reputation would take a hit if it did not take action against the Gerai Prihatin Rakyat because it is considered a "vote-buying" tactic.
"No wonder Malaysia is set for a plunge in the Transparency International (TI) Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2021 when it is announced in January next year.
"Will MACC redeem itself?" asked the DAP stalwart. - Mkini
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