Why can't others enter army camps to campaign for PD by-election, asks PAS candidate

Mohd Nazari Mokhtar. -filepic

PORT DICKSON: All by-election candidates should be given equal access to campaign inside army camps, said PAS candidate Lt-Kol (Rtd) Mohd Nazari Mokhtar.

He said appealed to the relevant authorities that all candidates, including independents, in the Port Dickson by-election should be allowed to go and meet voters and explain their policies.

"If one candidate is allowed to enter an army camp, it is only fair that all be given equal access.

"Let us contest in a gentleman manner," he told reporters after visiting the Information Department's media centre here on Saturday (Oct 6).

It was reported that several independent candidates have raised concerns that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim may have gone against the pledge for free and fair elections.

Anwar also received criticism for promising projects if he won the by-election when he was campaigning at events where military personnel attended.

Mohd Nazari said the Election Commission (EC) should take immediate action if any of the candidates have flouted the relevant laws.

"A candidate, who is also a big name in our political stage, promised a clean and fair election.

"If he is allowed to campaign there, why aren't we (also) allowed to do so?" he asked.

Negeri Sembilan Mentri Besar Aminuddin Harun had clarified that he was the one who invited Anwar to a function at an army camp recently.

Mohd Nazari said at the moment he could not enter any of the army camps and was only able to talk to them informally outside of camp.

"When we hold our tea and breakfast session, some of them will approach us, and the response among army officers has been positive.

"All I could do now is to hope that they will share my message to all their friends.

"We have to understand that they are also my voters, why don't we hold an open discussion with all the candidates, so the army officers can judge themselves who will be able to represent them better in the Dewan Rakyat.

"The early voting (date) is very near. If the armed forces chiefs invite us, we will go there to meet them at any time," he said.

The Election Commission has fixed polling day on Oct 13 while early voting (for the military) will be on Oct 9.