Karim: PAS should observe the election rules

April 10, 2013

“The dissolution of parliament is not a ticket for any party to act without referring to the law.” Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

TOO EARLY: Several PAS flags seen in the vicinity of a roundabout in Kota Samarahan.

KUCHING: Parti Islam Semalaysia (PAS) has flouted the law by hoisting their party’s flags in public places before the campaigning period, particularly along Jalan Kuching-Samarahan.

Former Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday: “We should adhere to the law where banners and flags should only be raised during the campaigning period.

“The Santubong parliamentary election workforce has always been reminded to follow the rules and regulations during the election period.”

PBB Supreme Council member Karim Rahman Hamzah said all parties should observe the laws on campaigning activities including raising their party’s flags in public places.

“The dissolution of parliament is not a ticket for any party to act without referring to the law,” he said.

Meanwhile, state Election Commission director Datu Takun Sunggah urged political parties that had raised or hung their flag in public places to remove them immediately.

“Such act is against the local council law and action must be taken to remove them immediately,” said Takun.

“It is not wrong to raise the party’s flag in its headquarters or compound of a house. The rule applies to public places such as roads or roundabouts,” he added.

He urged the local council to take stern action against those found violating the law.

Takun said the EC has the power to take down any campaigning material during the campaigning period.

“In this sense, only the local council has the authority to take down any campaigning material such as flags or banners being displayed in public places,” he said.

On another matter, Takun said any candidate who wish to contest in the 13th general election must prepare a deposit of RM5,000 before applying for permit from the local council to hang any campaigning material.