A MEMBER of the Malaysia United Democratic Alliance (Muda) was handed a RM4,000 compound by the police for allegedly violating the standard operating procedure (SOP) during a press conference held in Malacca today, the party’s secretary-general Amira Aisya said.

The press conference was called to announce the party’s decision to contest in the upcoming Malacca polls.

Amira said the group had adhered to all SOP during the press conference but claimed the member was still called to the police station and was issued the compound.

She, however, did not name the individual.

“We ensured that the SOP is followed as we also wanted to give our cooperation to the authorities.

“We wanted to show that Muda is also committed to follow the SOP set for the Malacca election.

“But after the press conference ended, one of our members was called to the police station and issued the compound,” Amira said in a video which was posted on Twitter.

Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman held a press conference outside The Stadthuys today to announce his party’s intention to contest in the upcoming Malacca election.

Amira said they had obtained approval from the authorities to conduct the press conference at the said place.

She said that only five Muda members and a few media members were present at the scene, which was an open space, and claimed that the SOP was adhered to at all times.

“Yesterday, one of our members contacted the police and asked if we could hold a press conference.

“We were told that we can, as long as SOP is adhered to, including limiting the number of people, practising physical distancing and wearing masks.

“Even today, before the start of the press conference, we met with the authorities and were told the same.

“But after the press conference ended, one of our members was given a RM4,000 compound,” she said.

Amira said that the authorities were practising double standards with Barisan Nasional leaders, including Najib Razak, getting off scot-free for holding large gatherings.

The youth-based party is still waiting for the Registrar of Societies to approve its registration but has expressed its willingness to contest under the Pakatan Harapan banner in the state polls. – October 27, 2021.