THE law does not state the need for permits to conduct walkabouts and door-to-door canvassing in election campaigns, said Attorney-General Tommy Thomas.

Thomas said in a statement today the legal provision cited by police to require permits for such campaigning in the Tanjung Piai by-election had been wrongly interpreted. 

“Apparently, the declaration by the police for the need for such police permits is based on Section 24B (3) of the Election Offences Act 1954,” he said in a statement today. 

“With respect, this provision does not expressly refer to walkabouts and door-to-door campaigning. 

“The words used in the provision cannot, under any circumstances, be interpreted to extend to walkabouts and door-to-door campaigning.” 

He said these methods of campaigning were historically the most popular among all political parties, and had been done without the need for permits.

Earlier today, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said parties are only required to fill a form during campaigning for the Tg Piai by-election and no permit is needed for walkabouts.

Hamid said there was confusion on the matter, and insisted he is not stopping any party from campaigning.

 “I think there is a misunderstanding here. It is only to fill up a form, to place your name and address and to ensure there will be no problems during the campaign period.

“I am not stopping anyone, either from Pakatan Harapan or from Barisan Nasional. I want to celebrate democracy but I do have concerns about safety and peace.” 

PH and BN politicians have expressed unhappiness with police for issuing a new permit requirement for walkabouts.

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin urged the police to reconsider the move.

Opposition chief Ismail Sabri Yaakob and electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 blamed the Election Commission, which made the initial  announcement, but the polls regulator said it is illegal for it to defy police.

“It was decided that the police will ask candidates and parties involved in campaigning to abide by several conditions which have been set.

“As for Bersih’s suggestion that the EC should reject the police’s decision or condition, may I remind Bersih that I was appointed as chairman of the EC to uphold the law and not to disregard the law,” he had said in a statement.

Johor police chief Mohd Kamarudin Md Din had reiterated the permit requirement, saying it was to ensure security and prevent clashes between supporters of rival candidates.

The Tanjung Piai by-election is set for Saturday. The seat became vacant following the death of Dr Md Farid Md Rafik in September.

Six candidates are vying for the seat – PH’s Karmaine Sardini, BN’s Wee Jeck Seng, Gerakan’s Wendy Subramaniam, Berjasa’s Badhrulhisham Abdul Aziz, and Independents Ang Chuan Lock and Faridah Aryani Abdul Ghaffar. – November 14, 2019.