Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, a former EC chairman, said the rule could undermine candidates’ freedom to campaign.

“I think an easier rule like sending a notice to inform the people in charge of security is more suitable,” Rashid told FMT.

EC chairman Azhar Harun has said the permits were necessary as walkabouts were a form of campaigning.

Rashid acknowledged that there are provisions under Section 24B(3) of the Election Offences Act requiring candidates and political parties to obtain permit from the police, but only for public speeches.

“Police permits are only needed for public meetings and open campaigning, not for closed-door meetings or walkabouts for instance,” he said.

Section 24B(3) of the Election Offences Act states that a candidate or their election agent may hold a public meeting or give public speeches in the contested constituency only if they have a police permit to do so.

The move by EC has drawn protests from opposition parties.

But Pakatan Harapan’s candidate Karmaine Sardini said his campaign team was ready to abide by the rule.