EC tells candidate to take down ‘provocative’ billboard

 

Lina Soo said she will comply with the Election Commission’s instruction to remove the billboard in question. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: A candidate in the Sarawak state elections was instructed to take down a billboard promoting Sarawak’s secession from Malaysia, with the Election Commission (EC) deeming the campaign material “provocative”.

The billboard in question shows scissors “cutting” Sarawak away from Peninsular Malaysia and with a message urging Sarawakians to “wake up”.

“Enough is enough. End 58 years of suffering,” it said, referring to the number of years Sarawak has been a part of Malaysia.

In a statement, Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi) president Lina Soo said the EC refused to tell her the specific element that was deemed “provocative”, though she would comply with its instruction.

The Padungan candidate said she was also told to change the banners she had put up because they were considered sensitive, adding that she was given until tomorrow to do so.

She is contesting in a four-cornered fight for the Padungan seat, facing Sarawak Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, Wee Hong Seng of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), and Parti Bumi Kenyalang’s Raymond Thong.

Sarawak goes to the polls on Dec 18, with early voting taking place on Dec 14. - FMT