Election Commission chairman Mohd Hashim Abdullah, laying down the ground rules for the campaign, said negative billboards were also not allowed.

The election campaign begins once nominations have been accepted, he said.

Mohd Hashim added that only the pictures of the candidates and the party’s manifesto can be placed until May 7 which is the day of the state election.

“If you put up weird things which have nothing to do with the candidate or the party, like if anyone places a picture of a certain individual along with negative and defamatory captions, then we will take appropriate action against them,” he said.

“Don’t insult others. If you don’t agree with something and decide to put up negative billboards for example, we will not allow it. “That is just taking advantage to defame someone.”

An EC official later clarified to FMT that the rule meant that not even photographs of Prime Minister Najib Razak or any other Peninsular political leaders could be used by their respective parties during the two-week campaign period.

It is only when they were here to give a speech that a banner promoting the event could be placed.

When asked about election campaigning that has taken place before the official start, Mohd Hashim said that it was a norm in Malaysia which could not be avoided.

“Campaigning all year round is normal here. In our country they (politicians) will put up posters and flags throughout the year.”

Sarawak voters will head to the polls on May 7 in the 11th state elections to choose 82 members of the state assembly.