OPPOSITION Leader Ismail Sabri Yaakob has slammed new rules by the Election Commission (EC) requiring police permits for campaign walkabouts and door-to-door canvassing for votes in the Tanjung Piai by-election.

The Umno leader said this never happened in the past, when permits were only required for ceramah (political rallies).

“Now there is a new rule. I don’t understand the EC. They are supposed to be an independent body, not controlled by the government.

“The EC has to act in accordance with the laws, so I am not sure why such an issue has cropped up in the Tanjung Piai by-election,” Ismail Sabri told reporters in the Parliament lobby, responding to new rules announced by the EC earlier today.

EC chairman Azhar Azizan Harun said the requirements came about after a meeting between EC officials and police in Pontian, Johor, where the by-election is being held.

Ismail Sabri said previously, lawmakers would have been consulted prior to the enforcement of such rules.

“Everything has to be discussed but we were not aware of this. We just got a letter from EC,” he said.

The opposition leader said he was made to understand that there were several irrational rules imposed on the Independent candidates in the by-election.

He said all candidates and political parties must be treated equally by the EC because it is an independent and apolitical body.

Umno vice president Mahdzir Khalid also said the EC’s new requirements were extreme.

“It is unfair if we need to ask permission for such activities,” the Padang Terap MP said.

He also questioned why Bersih, which once fought for electoral reform, has not commented on the rules

“They should speak up to justify democracy,” he said.

The EC ruling said walkabouts and door-to-door canvassing were considered “mobile” campaigns and as such, the time and location of these activities must be stated to the police so that they can be monitored.

Campaigning for the Tanjung Piai by-election began on November 2 and polling will be held this Saturday. – November 12, 2019.