Flags representing both the ruling coalition Barisan National (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) were seen sprouting up like mushrooms in busy areas like Jalan Genting Kelang and Lembah Pantai.
Political party flags in Lembah Pantai
The question whether the flags should be displayed before the campaigning period even begins is becoming the talk of town.
Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz told Astro Awani that the official campaigning period only begins after the nomination of candidates up until the midnight before polling day.
“As such, EC cannot take any action now. At the moment, only the local authorities can take action on the matter,” he said.
When asked which body is responsible to instruct the local authorities to take action, he said there is no need for instruction.
“It is understood that it is their power under the law. However, the Housing and Local Government Ministry may remind the local authorities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Housing and Local Government minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung said the local authorities should use their own judgement to take action on the political symbols.
More flags in Lembah Pantai
“We have already informed them to be more careful when removing the flags or posters. If they feel the symbols disrupts the public, then they should remove it indiscriminately.
“Regardless of the political party, if they have decided to bring it down, then bring everything down. If they think it doesn’t do harm, then, it’s ok.
“We leave it to them to judge,” he said.
“It is understood that it is their power under the law. However, the Housing and Local Government Ministry may remind the local authorities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Housing and Local Government minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung said the local authorities should use their own judgement to take action on the political symbols.
More flags in Lembah Pantai
“We have already informed them to be more careful when removing the flags or posters. If they feel the symbols disrupts the public, then they should remove it indiscriminately.
“Regardless of the political party, if they have decided to bring it down, then bring everything down. If they think it doesn’t do harm, then, it’s ok.
“We leave it to them to judge,” he said.
