A sociopolitical analyst has dismissed the Health Ministry's move to ban all public gatherings in connection with the forthcoming Malacca state election, citing damaging impacts on democracy.

Universiti Malaya's Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the ban, which would put an end to most forms of physical or face-to-face campaigning, has gone against the true spirit of democracy and an election.

"Covid-19 should not be used as an excuse to restrict face-to-face campaigns...