All set: Penang Election Commission officer K. Kumaran and his colleagues preparing for nomination day at SJKC Kwang Hwa in Bayan Lepas, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The nomination of candidates in the six states holding the elections will go online for the first time, says a state Election Commission (EC) spokesman.
“And to prevent any hiccups, candidates are advised to ‘double’ check that their documents are in order before turning up at their respective nomination centres.
“The candidates still have to be present. The documents will be handed to the EC officer and their particulars will be keyed into the online nomination forms while being monitored by the state EC office and our headquarters,” he said yesterday.
The spokesman also reminded supporters not to wear items like hats, brooches or earrings that display the political party’s logo, as it was strictly prohibited.
“For example, it is considered inappropriate to wear clothing bearing the logo of any political party or any phrase urging others to vote for them. They should also stay calm at all times and not provoke each other.
“Anyone caught doing this can be charged under the Election Offences Act of 1954 and could face severe penalties, including up to a year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to RM5,000, or both,” he said.
The spokesman added that supporters were also not allowed to use any musical instruments or loudspeakers on nomination day.
He advised all candidates and parties involved to always adhere to the law, rules and regulations, as well as code of conduct and instructions issued by the EC, police and local authorities.
There will be approximately 70 EC officers on duty at the SJKC Kwang Hwa nomination centre on Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah for the Batu Uban (N35) and Pantai Jerejak (N36) state constituencies.
The EC spokesman said they will work closely with other government department workers to ensure a smooth nomination day.
Separately, Bernama reports that the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) website indicates clear weather in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan and Terengganu in the morning.
However, the department is predicting rain in a few districts in Kedah and Penang in the morning.
In Kedah, rain is forecast for Kota Setar, Yan, Kuala Muda and Langkawi, while the affected areas in Penang are the northeast and southwest regions.
