All parties should comply with 10 pm curfew for political talks - Reezal

BATU PAHAT: All parties should comply with the 10 pm curfew for political talks for the Johor state election campaigning period as it was probably set to minimise certain risks, UMNO supreme council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said.

The suggestion that political talks or 'ceramahs' could run till midnight could be assessed by the authorities if it is suitable.

"I do agree that (the duration) be extended, but I hope all candidates comply with existing conditions and do not jump the gun.

"If the time set is till 10 pm, we should comply, because there are possible reasons, including minimising certain risks," he said during a media conference after a working visit to Arena Niaga Parit Ya'ani today.

He was commenting on Amanah president Mohamad Sabu's request to the Election Commission to extend the period of political talks till midnight.

BN candidate for Parit Ya'ani, Datuk Mohamad Najib Samuri and deputy UMNO Sri Gading Division chief Mohd Lassim Burhan also attended the working visit.

There is a four-cornered fight for the Parit Ya'ani seat, with BN candidate Mohamad Najib Samuri taking on two-term incumbent, Pakatan Harapan's (PH) Aminolhuda Hasan, who is Johor Amanah chairman, Ahmad Nawfal Mahfodz from Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Mohd Ridhauddin Mohd Tahir from Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang).

Johor voters will go to the polls on March 12, while early voting is slated for March 8.

-- BERNAMA