Act against early campaigning in Kajang: Bar Council

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 11, 2014): The Malaysian Bar Council wants the Election Commission (EC) to act against any political party which currently campaigned for the Kajang state by-election as the official campaign period only kicks off next month.
Its president, Christopher Leong said parties from any political divide must comply with election laws which provided for a specified official campaigning period.
"I think the election rules are clear that there is a specified time for campaigning; therefore, all parties should conduct themselves within the letter of that law.
"...and, if whichever party breaches it, the EC must do something about it...under the Election Offences Act, I believe the EC should enforce such laws," he told reporters at a press conference here today.
The Kajang by-election was triggered by the resignation of Parti Keadilan Rakyat assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh on Jan 27.
Last Wednesday, the EC announced that nomination for the state by-election was set for March 11, followed by polling on March 23. EC rules state that campaigning can only officially start after the nomination process is completed, and must end 24 hours before polling day.
Meanwhile, Leong said a two-day forum entitled 'Towards a Fairer Electoral System', would be held at the Dewan Sivik in Petaling Jaya on Saturday.
The event, jointly organised by the Malaysian Bar Council and Tindak Malaysia, is aimed at educating Malaysians that even though the general election is over, the opportunities to make a difference are not. – Bernama