Another Anwar poster vandalised, this time doused with red paint

STATE POLLS | A billboard displaying Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim and the coalition’s Kuala Terengganu candidate has been vandalised.

Anwar’s picture on the billboard, alongside the parliamentary candidate Azan Ismail, was splashed with red paint.

The identity of the perpetrator remains unknown at present.

According to Berita Harian, the billboard was located at an intersection leading to Masjid Terapung in Kuala Terengganu and was discovered by residents early this morning.

Azan told the Malay daily that he intends to file a police report on the incident.

“I call for an end to this immature political behaviour or culture; let us campaign civically in a harmonious atmosphere instead of resorting to such extreme provocations.

"The community should support democratic principles while rejecting the culture of violence during this election campaign," he was quoted as saying.

The Kuala Terengganu by-election will be held simultaneously with the six state elections on Aug 12.

It is being held because of the annulment of PAS candidate Ahmad Amzad Hashim's victory in the 15th general election (GE15) over corruption allegations.

In GE15, Ahmad Amzad, the former science, technology, and innovation deputy minister, secured the seat with a majority of 40,907 votes.

Walk back?

In a separate development Terengganu PAS deputy commissioner Alias Razak suggested that the Election Commission (EC) provide buses for outstation voters to return to vote.

He said express bus services to the state were insufficient to accommodate the people’s demands.

"Are we going to walk back to Terengganu from Kuala Lumpur? The East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) is not yet operational. If there is no bus assistance (from political parties), how will those without vehicles return?

"The EC should consider matters like this and provide (buses)," he was quoted as saying by Kosmo! in Kuala Terengganu today.

Alias added that an estimated 60,000 out-of-town voters from outside Terengganu are likely to return.

MACC chief Azam Baki had previously emphasised that providing money, bus ticket payments, or souvenirs during the election period constitutes an election offence. - Mkini