JOHOR BARU: MCA Youth claims that "Free Najib" banners appeared during the Johor state election campaign to smear Barisan Nasional's Yong Peng candidate Ling Tian Soon.
It alleged that a special officer to a deputy minister, who is also a lawyer holding a post in DAP's youth wing, was involved in putting up the banners in Yong Peng.
In a statement Thursday (July 9), MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong said the banners warranted a stern rebuke.
"What is even more disturbing is that these banners were deliberately placed alongside the campaign materials of Yong Peng candidate Ling Tian Soon, in what appears to be a calculated attempt to mislead voters and inject an issue that has nothing to do with the Johor state election," he said.
Neow said videos circulated online showed several youths putting up banners bearing the words "Free Najib" and a portrait of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
"It is unacceptable that someone entrusted with upholding the law, while serving in a government office, should allegedly be involved in conduct that may contravene election laws," he said.
He said Election Commission (EC) guidelines allowed campaign materials to feature only candidates and authorised party leaders, and the banner had no relevance to the Johor polls.
He urged the police and the EC to investigate promptly and impartially.
"No political party or individual should be above the law," he said.
Neow also urged Yong Peng voters to remain vigilant and report any suspected breaches of election laws to the authorities.
Johor goes to the polls on Saturday (July 11).
