THE Health Ministry must punish two former prime ministers – Najib Razak and Muhyiddin Yassin – for flouting the ban on physical election campaigns in Malacca through “disguised” form of activities, Lim Kit Siang said. 

The Iskandar Puteri MP asked what was the point of having health officials if there is going to be double standards between the government and the opposition. 

“Although the ban on all physical gatherings and social events related to the Malacca elections is imposed from October 25 to November 27, several political leaders from the ruling parties have been seen out and about in Malacca, including meeting the public in the last few days. 

“Among them were Najib and Muhyiddin, who had been engaged in programmes that involved physical meet-and-greet with the public – circumventing the ban by the Health Ministry.

“If Najib is allowed circumvent the ban or to get away with his defiance for his visits to a fisher folk village in Tg Kling and a wet market in Malacca, and Muhyiddin going scot-free for his visit to two Gerai Prihatin Rakyat initiatives of Bersatu in Malacca, what is the purpose of the ministry ban under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act except to hinder opposition election campaigns?” asked the veteran lawmaker in a statement today.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had announced that all physical gatherings and social events related to the upcoming Malacca elections are banned from October 25 to November 27. 

Citing the need to reduce the risk of new Covid-19 infections, Khairy said the ban includes functions to launch election machinery of the various parties.

Najib, who was accused of campaigning during his rounds in Malacca, told reporters that his visit was just as a tourist. 

He said he had been obliged to visit the state following the invitation by Tangga Batu Umno chief Mohamad Ali Mohamad to make a trip there. 

He is scheduled to return to Kuala Lumpur today after a two-day visit. 

Lim said the ministry should act against Najib and Muhyiddin or revoke the ban.

“Take action or scrap the ban and discuss with all political parties and the Election Commission on the standard operating procedure, which should be used to ensure free, fair and clean elections as well as to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” he added. – October 31, 2021.