Johor polls: Parties may use MBJB facilities for campaigning, but with strict rules attached

JOHOR BARU: The Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) will allow political parties to use its premises and facilities during the state election but with terms and conditions attached.

Mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said these premises included its community halls which could be used for campaigning, meetings or other election-related functions.

“First, all activities to be carried out at MBJB facilities can be held but there should not be any political party logos, icons or symbols displayed throughout the programme.

“This includes backdrops, banners, flags or any other forms of decoration in or around MBJB’s halls or premises,” he said in his speech during a full council meeting at Menara MBJB here on Monday (Jan 31).

He also reminded political parties intending to use council premises to pay the full rental fee before each event.

Noorazam said these facilities and halls were public property and so their use must be in the interests and for the good of the community.

“In the excitement of... campaigning in the near future, all rules related to the installation of flags, banners, posters, advertisements and other campaign materials must be complied with to ensure that they do not cause disturbance, pose an accident risk, or cause pollution in MBJB premises.

“Those who wish to put up political party flags or advertisement boards must get approval from MBJB first and must make sure that the installation is within the area allowed by the Election Commission (EC),” he added.

The EC has set a special meeting for Feb 9 to discuss, among others, nomination and polling dates for the state election.