EC cautions against provocative banners after video on Rosmah 'boss' poster goes viral

SEMENYIH: Provocative political banners are not allowed to be displayed at any polling station while the by-election is still ongoing, says Election Commission (EC) chairman Azhar Azizan Harun.

"Provocative banners are not allowed anywhere," he said, adding that the EC is set to launch investigations over the matter if a report has been lodged.

Earlier Saturday (March 2), a minor tiff broke out between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional supporters at the Sesapan Batu Rembau polling station over a provocative banner.

A Pakatan supporter was carrying a banner with an image of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor with a caption that read "Siapa boss? Aku lah boss (Who is the boss? I am the boss).

In a video circulated on social media, Pakatan supporters were also seen obstructing EC officials from removing the banner.

Azhar, better known as "Art Harun", was speaking to reporters after inspecting the polling station at SMK Bandar Rinching on Saturday (March 2).

"That is (an act of) abuse and provocation. I hope that such acts will be stopped because it will disrupt the peace," Azhar added.

Takut dengan sokongan rakyat kepada Dato Seri @NajibRazak so mereka serang Rosmah Mansor. Strategi sama diulang-ulang. pic.twitter.com/69JAxJTm7e — PEMBANGKANG ? (@Sir_Azri) March 2, 2019

Meanwhile, Azhar said that Pakatan candidate Muhammad Aiman Zainali had committed an offence by urging voters to support him in the Semenyih by-election after campaigning period had came to an end.

"I have read the news online but I haven't seen the video online.

"If it is so, then it is an offence. No campaigns today (March 2)," he said.

However, Azhar said no action can be taken as they have to first investigate the matter.

Earlier, electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 was quoted as saying that Muhammad Aiman had contravened the Elections Offences Act 1954 by urging voters to vote for him.

"I hope the voters will make a smart decision and determine the fate of Semenyih and by God's grace, I hope they all vote for Pakatan. Vote for Aiman," Aiman said, when he cast his vote at SMK Engku Husain in Kampung Baru Semenyih earlier on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Azhar said that the election process for the Semenyih polls has gone on smoothly so far, while urging more voters to come out in droves to cast their ballots.

"I hope the 70% voters turnout can be achieved. But in Cameron Highlands, it was only 68.79%," he said.

"We target the results to be out before 10pm. Hopefully earlier," he added.