MELAKA: Bersama leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has criticised the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council for rejecting the party’s application to hold its campaign finale rally at Dataran Madani, Ayer Keroh Heights.
He claimed that the decision amounted to selective political interference.
The council issued a formal letter informing the party that its application to use the public square for the rally could not be considered.
Rafizi questioned the decision, saying the police had already approved the permit for the gathering.
“Anyone in our shoes would feel as though certain local authorities are seen trying to obstruct the campaign of only a particular party, while others are not prevented from using the space,” he told reporters at a press conference in Batu Berendam.
Rafizi said Perikatan Nasional held a political event at the same venue last weekend.
“Last weekend, the exact same venue was used by Perikatan Nasional. There were pictures, people attended, and it was broadcast live.
“It seems that if another party does it, there is no issue at all. Yet when we went through the proper channels — applying to the police for a permit, notifying the Election Commission (EC), and on top of that, informing the local authority — it is deemed unacceptable.”
He said Bersama had not encountered similar administrative difficulties during its previous campaign outing in Johor.
Bersama had fulfilled the requirements under election regulations and wanted to avoid any last-minute disruption, he added.
“I am stating this openly early on so that this does not turn into unnecessary drama a day before polling.
“The ceramah will proceed at Dataran Madani based on the permit approved by the police.
“We hope there will be no eleventh-hour disruptions, demands to switch venues, or attempts to chase people away. But if there is interference, we are more than ready. Do not try to cause trouble,” he said.