JOHOR BARU: There are only 56 state seats up for grabs in the Johor election.

       But political parties are snapping up nomination forms, costing RM20 each, by the hundreds, far more than they need.

       Of the 894 forms costing RM17,880 sold by the Election Commission (EC) until yesterday, the Perikatan Nasional coalition alone spent RM5,900 to purchase 295 forms.

       That number will rise to 366 if the extra 71 bought by the coalition members are included.

       PAS bought 21 forms, Bersatu (20) and Gerakan (30).

       A total of 99 forms costing a total of RM1,980 were sold to Barisan Nasional while MCA bought an additional 49, making a total of 148.

       The Opposition was also on a buying spree, with DAP taking 49 forms although the party is only planning to contest in 14 seats, PKR also bought 49 forms while Amanah, which will be contesting in 16 seats, bought 34.

       The Pakatan Harapan coalition also bought three to take the total to 135 forms at RM2,700.

       Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Pejuang bought 86 forms, Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia (52), Warisan (five) and Parti Bangsa Malaysia (one).

       The EC said 55 forms were bought by other parties and 53 by individuals.

       In a separate statement, EC secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak said there would be no gatherings or processions allowed at any nomination centre tomorrow.

       He said only the candidate, proposer and seconder would be allowed to enter the nomination centres.

       Supporters would not be allowed to gather or engage in any procession at any venue or nomination centre.

       Johor will go to the polls on March 12 while nominations will be held tomorrow.

       “Nomination papers should be submitted from 9am to 10am to returning officers at 56 nomination centres by the candidate, proposer and seconder or any two persons or any one of them,” Ikmalrudin said.

       He said candidates representing political parties were reminded to bring approval letters to use their party’s symbol along with their nomination forms.

       He also urged all candidates and political parties involved to adhere to all the rules and regulations issued by the EC, police, Health Ministry and local authorities on nomination day.

       “The EC would like to inform that the standard operating procedure (SOP) to curb the spread of Covid-19 for the Johor state election had been approved by the Health Ministry on Feb 18 in line with Regulation 16 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures Within Infected Areas) (National Recovery Plan) 2021,” he added.

       Ikmalrudin said the SOP for the Johor polls would be implemented strictly throughout the election period.

       Further information can be obtained at spr.gov.my.