EC: Keep number of supporters small to avoid spread of H1N1

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Political parties have been urged to restrict the number of supporters at the nomination centre today in view of the influenza A (H1N1).

Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yusof said this was in line with Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai’s advice to the people against assembling in large numbers.

In good working condition: Abdul Aziz inspecting an equipment at the Bukit Mertajam Youth Skills Institute with help from EC officer Nurul Asmat Ismail yesterday. — Bernama

“Restricting the number of supporters would also help ensure the situation does not become tense and the nomination process can be carried out smoothly,” he told reporters after visiting the Bukit Mertajam Youth Skills Institute which is the nomination centre for the Permatang Pasir by-election to check on the final preparations there.

Abdul Aziz, who expressed satisfaction with the preparations for nomination day, advised supporters to avoid using abusive words.

They were advised against bringing any musical instruments such as drums, whistle or loud hailers.

He also reminded candidates that in view of the fasting month, the election results would be announced at 8pm sharp, irrespective of whether the candidates were present at the vote-tallying centre.

In Putrajaya, EC secretary Datuk Ngah Senik urged the parties not to “flood” the centre with supporters to avoid congestion that could hamper the smooth flow of the nomination process.

Ngah said this was also to prevent traffic congestion and curb the possibility of a disruption in public order around and at the nomination centre.

“During the campaign period, only parties that are contesting can put up their logos. They must also remember that campaigns must stop completely at midnight on the eve of polling day.”

Ngah said the EC had also set up counters for voters to check their status apart from the commission’s website at www.spr.gov.my or via SMS (Type: SPR_SEMAK_IC number and send it to 15888). They can also call 04-261 0675 or 04-261 0653.

They can check their status at Kedai Kopi Che Amat (next to the Kubang Semang mosque), Kedai Kopi Ariffin (next to the Tuan Haji Saad mosque in Tanah Liat), Gerai Kopi Hashim Shariff at Simpang Tiga in Permatang Tengah and Kedai Kopi Isa Mahmud in Kampung Petani.

The checking counters are also open at Kedai Kopi Abdul Rahim Ahmad Kutty in Permatang Ara and Kedai Kopi Lazim in Permatang Pasir.