MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong defended the party’s move to include foreign nationals in its billboards to depict close business and political ties with China, reported The Straits Times.

MCA’s billboards in the parliamentary constituency of Ayer Hitam, Johor, depicted MCA president Liow Tiong Lai with Chinese President Xi Jinping as well as Prime Minister Najib Razak with mogul Jack Ma.

The Election Commission yesterday took down DAP billboards of Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor, which said “A vote for Wee Ka Siong is a vote for Najib and Rosmah”.

“We don’t stoop so low,” said Wee, who was seeking a fourth term, adding that the opposition’s “unscrupulous and malicious character smears” were ungentlemanly.

He said BN’s content bore no negative messages, but promoted achievements, and added that the opposition could do the same as well.

In taking down the billboard, the EC cited new guidelines that limited campaign images to that of the area’s candidate, as well as party chiefs and deputy chiefs of the registered party.

DAP’s billboard was also sprayed by BN supporters during the 24 hours it was up, The Straits Times reported.

“I’ve got many such posters, minus Rosmah’s face, which will be put up in the area,” said DAP Ayer Hitam candidate Liew Chin Tong.

Liew criticised the double standards.

“Why is it that BN has a billboard with Xi Jinping in it? He’s not a candidate.”

“This is nonsensical,” Liew told The Straits Times. “I’m going to put up more banners. They can take down everything.” – April 30, 2018.