THE anticipation surrounding the upcoming state general election in Sabah is running high, with political leaders ramping up their campaigns across the region.
As the clock ticks down to the end of the state assembly’s term on Nov 11, citizens are eager to see how the political landscape will change.
Despite the general expectation that the elections would occur before the term’s conclusion, posters circulating on social media suggest that the polls are set for Nov 4.
Are these posters genuine?
VERDICT:
FALSE
In a statement on Wednesday (Sept 10), the Election Commission (EC) said posters circulating on social media claiming to list the dates for the 17th Sabah election are fake and entirely false.
EC secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said that the EC had not yet made any official announcement that the Sabah State Assembly had been dissolved, nor had it set key dates for the polls.
“All information regarding the election, including key dates such as the issuance of the writ, nomination day and polling day, will only be announced through the EC’s official channels, namely its official portal, press conferences and media statements.
“The dissemination of false information like this is an irresponsible act, and can create confusion among the public,” he said.
He added that legal action could be taken against anyone found spreading, sharing, or publishing false information, under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and other applicable laws.
“The EC urges the public to exercise caution and not be easily misled by unauthentic information. Accurate and official updates should only be obtained from the commission’s official channels,” he said.
