MELAKA – The organiser of a Barisan Nasional (BN) event – attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob – in Selandar near Asahan has been fined RM20,000.
The hefty fine was issued to the organiser – who is believed to be the coalition’s head of the district polling centre for Asahan – for breaching Covid-19 standard operating procedures.
“The fine was issued to the organiser for failing to ensure social distancing during the event. That’s all I can say,” said a Jasin health district officer who wishes to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, the event organiser refused to divulge details on the matter.
“It’s okay, if I say anything, then I’ll get fined again,” he said briefly.
Ismail Sabri arrived at approximately noon at Medan Selera Selandar to have a meet-and-greet with the locals.
This is the first visit by the Bera MP to the historical state since the election campaign started on November 8.
During the event – where former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was also present – there were about 60 party supporters eager to meet the top BN leaders.
When Najib left the premises, he was seen being mobbed by fans as they made requests for selfies.
Previously, Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh said ceramah (talks), public speeches, physical campaigns, house-to-house visits, and walkabouts are banned during the state polls.
The Melaka election is held following the dissolution of the state assembly on October 4, after four assemblymen withdrew support for former chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.
The EC has fixed November 20 for voting, and early voting on November 16. Nominations were held last Monday. – The Vibes, November 14, 2021
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