Gopal Sri Ram said Article 9 of the Federal Constitution states that no citizen could be banished or excluded from the Federation, and that included Melaka.

“Freedom of movement is a guaranteed right under that provision of the Constitution, unless a restriction is imposed by a federal law,” he said.

Sri Ram said elections were part of democratic process and so was campaigning.

“It is the right of citizens to carry out electioneering activities and this includes campaigning for candidates and parties of their choice,” he said.

Sri Ram was responding to Alor Gajah MP Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof who had urged the Election Commission to bar out-of-state politicians and party supporters from campaigning in the Nov 20 state election.

Redzuan feared that if party workers from other states were allowed to gather in large numbers, it might trigger a new wave of Covid-19 infections, as what occurred after the Sabah state election last year.

The Bersatu leader said only local grassroots members and politicians within the state should be allowed to campaign.

Sri Ram said Redzuan’s stand was contrary to federal law and the Constitution, and any restriction on freedom of movement could be subject to a legal challenge.