According to the do’s and don’ts of voting, one of the major ones is to not wear any clothes or carry any equipment that display the names of candidates, political party symbols, logos or images during polling day as you could possibly be denied from entering the polling station.
However, it appears that the rule doesn’t exactly apply to everyone, much to the dissatisfaction of Malaysians.
Among the millions of Malaysians to go out and vote today (November 19), PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang was among the crowd as he placed his vote in Marang, Terengganu.
But, what was surprising was the fact that Abdul Hadi was allowed in as he was wearing a green vest bearing the party’s logo while casting his vote today.
#PRU15: Presiden PAS Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang yang juga calon P037 Marang bersama isteri Toh Puan Seri Zainab Awang Ngah selesai mengundi di SK Rusila, Marang, Terengganu. pic.twitter.com/P87LcZsBUQ
— BERNAMA (@bernamadotcom) November 19, 2022
Under Section 26(1)(g) of the Election Offences Act 1954, voters are not allowed to wear, hold or carry any form of clothing or item which shows the name of a candidate, emblem or symbol of any political party while voting or within 50m of a polling station.
Any person who contravenes the section may be punished with imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of not more than RM5,000, or both, upon conviction.
A case of double standards?
The picture of Abdul Hadi has since went viral as netizens slammed both him as well as the Election Commission (EC) for allowing what appeared to be a case of double standards to happen.
“PAS’ logo can clearly be seen on his outfit. Double standards.”
“Do the laws of Malaysia not apply to those that ride on religion?” asked another user.
Another commented, “The levels of the privileged are different, the rules apply only for the rakyat,” said another.
Meanwhile, electoral watchdog Bersih has also urged the authorities to investigate Abdul Hadi.
“This is clearly an election offence, to wear any apparel or clothing with a party symbol or logo into a polling centre.”
Bersih chairman Thomas Fann said the EC and police should investigate and take action.
Should the EC take action against Abdul Hadi for his blatant breach of the law?
Also read: Voting For The First Time? Here Are 6 Things You Should Take Note of During GE15!
