BAU, Nov 7: There are no two sets of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the upcoming state election, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Responding to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s recent claims that the Opposition would be at a disadvantage due to the campaigning restriction SOPs, Abdul Karim said he strongly believes there are no two sets of SOPs or laws.
“What has been set for GPS, will be the same for others. There are no differences. Although the Election Commission (EC) has not announced anything yet, the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) SOPs for the Melaka state election may also be used for Sarawak. Among the SOPs are no house-to-house campaigning, rallies, and assemblies.
“Chong said their hands and legs were tied, claiming it is unfair. He spoke as if the SOPs are only for the Opposition when in actual fact, it is for both sides.
“I wish I can hold rallies, go to campaigns, do house-to-house visits, and give speeches in halls but we are not allowed to do all that. GPS will look at other ways to campaign.
“So my suggestion to Chong is that he will have to do the same and be smart,” Abdul Karim, who is also Asajaya incumbent, said after flagging-off the Sarawak Adventure Challenge 5.0 in Siniawan today. — DayakDaily
