Intense fight for Malay votes

IT is supposed to be “socially distanced” campaigning for the Melaka state election with candidates barred from making house visits and holding ceramah, but the strict standard operating procedures were already broken during nomination on Monday.

Under the latest Election Commission (EC) rules, campaigning is largely restricted to social media. Walkabouts are also banned, but candidates can talk to voters from their vehicles, using loudspeakers, with police approval.