KUALA LUMPUR – Barisan Nasional (BN) will be challenging the RM10,000 compound issued against it for holding a mass gathering at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here two nights ago.
During a press conference yesterday, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said when the Health Ministry issued directives concerning the prohibition of mass gatherings, the coalition thought it applied only to campaign activities in Melaka.
“We didn’t violate the SOPs (standard operating procedures) willingly. That’s why when we had the launch, we didn’t use one, but two halls to comply with SOPs.
“SOPs were followed and participants wore masks. But maybe we couldn’t have fully controlled movement of individuals outside.”
He added that the coalition will pay the compound but will appeal for a reduction.
Ahmad also expressed hope that SOPs concerning the Melaka election will be relaxed to allow house-to-house visits and the operation of control centres to manage campaigns.
“If there’s a control centre with limited people, we can use it to distribute campaign materials. This does not mean BN isn’t cautious of the pandemic.
“This time, during the election, 95% of adults are already fully vaccinated.” – The Vibes, October 29, 2021
