Mat Sabu asks why physical campaigning is disallowed for Melaka polls when the malls are full and weddings can go on

KUALA LUMPUR: Why is physical campaigning banned during the Melaka state polls when weddings are allowed, asks Kota Raja MP Mohamad Sabu.

"Melaka is under Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan. Restaurants are packed, malls are full, there are wedding ceremonies and classes are allowed to resume.

"Malaysia has become one of the strangest countries in the world where the law can be changed according to the whims and fancies of those in power," said Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Sabu, while interrupting Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (PH-Kulim Bandar Baharu) who was debating the motion to annul the Emergency Ordinances (EO) in Parliament on Monday (Oct 25).

On Sunday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that any election-related gatherings or social activities would not be allowed from Oct 25 until Nov 27 for the Melaka polls.

Khairy said the ban would include the organisation of election machinery launching ceremonies.

To this, Saifuddin also agreed and asked why the Melaka state election had been allowed despite the high Covid-19 cases.

"We are forced to face a state election that we did not ask for. On nomination day, we just bring the nomination paper. Our candidates will come with a nominee and supporters," said Saifuddin.

"Tests will be conducted (for Covid-19) and if the result is negative, they will be allowed to enter. If the result is positive, they will be isolated in another tent," he added.

However, Saifuddin said walkabouts, small and general ceramah were not allowed during the campaigning period.

"The Election Commission (EC) also recommended campaigning using television stations. Who has television stations?" said Saifuddin.

The EC has set Nov 8 for nominations and Nov 20 for polling.