BENTONG, Sept 23 ― The Election Commission (EC) has formed two Campaign Enforcement Teams to monitor the activities of candidates contesting in the Pelangai state by-election.

EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh, in a statement, said all campaign methods and materials are allowed as long as they do not promote ill will, dissatisfaction, hostility or racial elements and do not touch on sensitive issues, including the 3Rs ― race, religion and the royal institution.

"The EC hopes that the campaign activities will run in a harmonious atmosphere and adhere to the laws and regulations set,” he said.

He also said that candidates who have paid the election campaign deposit are subject to local authority by-laws to display and distribute campaign materials containing candidate pictures, party symbols and images of coalition/component party leaders.

"No limit has been set for images of political parties competing and images of coalition/component party leaders in election campaign materials,” he said.

The 14-day campaigning period kicked off today until 11.59pm on October 6.

The Pelangai state by-election will see a three-cornered fight between Datuk Amizar Abu Adam of Barisan Nasional, Kasim Samat of Perikatan Nasional and independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli.

The EC has fixed October 7 as polling day, with October 3 for early voting.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched its operations room for the public to channel information and complaints related to corruption and abuse of power during the by-election.

In a statement, the commission said the 24-hour operations room would operate from today until October 7 at the Raub MACC Office.

It said the public can also channel any information or complaints through email at aduan.prk.pahang@sprm.gov.my or contact 09-3501967.

The MACC also reminded all candidates and political parties contesting to avoid engaging in activities that may violate the election laws and regulations, in accordance with the MACC Act 2009 and Election Offences Act 1954. ― Bernama