KUALA LUMPUR: All parties competing in the Melaka state election have to abide by the Health Ministry's decision to ban political gatherings, said Bersatu vice president Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (pic).

       The Agriculture and Food Industries Minister admits that the new election ruling will affect the party's campaign work and therefore all need to adjust to the changes.

       "Whatever it is, we need to abide by the standard operating procedures (SOP). We have complied with the the Health Ministry's SOPs for the past two years and this is no different," said Ronald.

       "It will definitely affect our campaigning. So we need to make adjustments. However, all parties are equally subject to the same SOPs," he added at a press conference after the launch of the National Agro-Food Policy 2.0 here.

       The Health Ministry has issued a ban on election-related gatherings in Melaka from Oct 25 to Nov 27 over concerns of Covid-19 and SOP violations.