Candidates free to campaign outside constituencies: IGP

KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun today denied allegations that police will block political party candidates from speaking or make speeches outside the constituencies they were contesting in during the 14th General Election (GE14).
He said according to Section 24B (3) of the Election Offences Act 1954, anyone could campaign in an electoral district, provided their names were listed in the approved permit.
"Allegations about a new law which allegedly restricts any candidate from speaking in constituencies other than where they are contesting is false, and there is no time limit set for the application.
"In addition, candidates or agents may invite any individual to campaign, provided the nominee has been listed in the approved permit, according to the date, time and place specified in the permit," he said in a statement here today.
According to Mohamad Fuzi, any party that wishes to hold a gathering must give prior notice based on Section 9 (1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, at least 10 days before the assembly.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Fuzi said police will be looking into alleged sabotage of a flight carrying Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Yesterday, Mahathir claimed that the plane which was supposed to bring him to Langkawi was sabotaged by certain parties. According to a news portal, the PPBM president was already on board the flight to head to Langkawi from Subang, when the pilot announced that one of the aircraft's tyre suffered a puncture.
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also caretaker Home Minister, today directed the police to investigate the claim. — Bernama