GE14 | Inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun today denied that a new law has been imposed to bar candidates from campaigning in constituencies other than their own.

He clarified that only a candidate (or agent) contesting in the particular constituency can submit the application to hold ceramah under Section 24B(3) of the Election Offences Act.

There is no time limit when the application can be made, Fuzi said in a statement.

He said candidates or their agents can invite anyone to speak provided that the speaker is listed based on the date, time and venue of the event stated in the permit.

"However, anyone who wants to hold any rally or gathering would have to give the notice as stipulated under Section 9(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. Such notice must be given within 10 days of the gathering or rally."

As such, Fuzi said the claim that there is a new law to prevent candidates contesting from giving talks outside their constituencies was false.

"Section 24B(3) gives the opportunity and avenue for them to campaign in any area provided their names are listed in the permit which has been approved."

Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad questioned the notice when he said that there would be only two days of campaigning if the police were to impose a 10-day notice.  

He was responding to a reported remark by Perak police chief Hasnan Hassan that those who wished to campaign in other constituencies should instead submit a 10-day notice as required under Section 9(1).