By Adib Zalkapli (Malaysian Insider)
PORT DICKSON, Oct 2 — The DAP today slammed the Election Commission’s (EC) directive banning political parties not contesting in the Bagan Pinang by-election from putting up their party symbols in the constituency.
“If campaign material deposit is their concern, we will pay the RM3,000 so we can put up DAP flags in the whole of Bagan Pinang,” Negri Sembilan DAP chief Loke Siew Fook told a press conference here.

The Rasah MP said that all campaign materials are paid for and supplied by PAS, and the DAP was only providing support in putting them up.
“In the spirit of Pakatan Rakyat, naturally the billboards and banners will carry the symbols of all Pakatan parties,” said Loke.
Yesterday, EC deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar reportedly justified the decision, saying that apart from the contesting political parties, other parties do not pay the campaign material deposit.
Apart from a deposit of RM5,000 for contesting a state seat, political parties are also required to pay an additional RM3,000 deposit for putting up campaign material.
Wan Ahmad also pointed out that Pakatan Rakyat (PR), unlike Barisan Nasional (BN), is not a registered coalition and cannot campaign under its name.
“Going by that argument, IPF, Kimma and Makkal Sakthi Party should also not be allowed to campaign as they are not part of BN,” argued Loke, referring to the three pro-BN Indian political parties.
He also told reporters that the party had received a letter from EC secretary Datuk Ngah Senik reminding DAP and all political parties not to campaign or set up booths on polling day.
“We are aware of such a ruling, but the question is whether the EC can enforce this ruling on BN; can the EC make sure BN will follow the ruling?” said Loke.
Nomination is set for tomorrow while polling will be held on Oct 11.
Umno’s Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad will face Negri Sembilan PAS chief Zulkefly Omar in this crucial election, widely expected to end PR’s winning streak in all by-elections in the peninsula since last year.