THERE seems to be gross inconsistency and unfairness when it comes to the implementation and enforcement of election rules during the ongoing campaign period of the Malacca state elections.

Contesting parties and candidates in line with the Perikatan Nasional and Muafakat Nasional have been given leeway and special treatment by the authorities to do their campaigning, whereas those who are either with the opposition or are independents were harshly penalised or prohibited from exercising their democratic rights, despite them complying with all the election rules and standard operating procedure of Covid-19. 

For example, a supporter who wore a vest with the Pakatan Harapan logo was issued an immediate compound amounting to RM4,000 by the authorities.

Authorities have been quick to rush into Pakatan Harapan events and venues to stop their activities no matter how they comply with the safety measures. On the contrary, those offenders aligned with Perikatan Nasional and Muafakat Nasional are handled with kid gloves or given a mere slap on the wrist.

To make things worse, the leniency in allowing Barisan Nasional to conduct political gatherings, disguised as university events in UiTM with total disregard of SOP, has led to several students and participants being tested positive with Covid-19.

Photos have emerged on social media showing that large political crowds with almost-zero social distancing freely mingling with students (who were allegedly forced to attend these gatherings), as if Covid-19 is already a thing in the past. 

Have they forgotten the lessons from the Sabah elections which has almost crippled this nation for its astronomical surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths in the thousands, due to their failure in observing the SOP during their campaigns?

As expected, only minimal or no action was taken against the culprits, evidently showing that the authorities are afraid to reprimand the organisers for fear of repercussions. 

The Minister of Health must take responsibility for failure to prevent this from happening.

I have recently spoken in the Dewan Rakyat about the importance of fair and equal access to everyone in exercising their democratic rights, especially during this epidemic. 

The Government should allow all contestants and its political machinery to use public media platforms such as RTM television, radio and online channels.

Not only are they effective in reaching out to constituents in this age of information technology, they will also minimise physical interaction between people, thus lessening the risks of spreading Covid-19 to the masses. 

The rakyat deserves to know and learn about all the candidates, their visions and manifestos, but not at the expense of their health and safety.

The media ought not to be restricted only to pro-Perikatan Nasional or pro-Barisan Nasional agendas.

Every single candidate should be given the same amount of airtime and coverage. The abuse and misuse of government machinery, including the police, MOH, Election Commission, public universities and many other agencies during this campaign period must stop immediately as this is against the principle of neutrality of public servants and the prohibition of using taxpayers money for political purposes.  – November 13, 2021.

* Maria Chin Abdullah is the MP for Petaling Jaya.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.