Opinions of members of the Legislative Assembly are an important reference point regarding an update to guidelines for election campaigning that the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election might seek to issue.

The Chairman of the Commission, Mr Tong Hio Fong, said some Assembly members had experience of running a campaign; their opinions would help enhance the fairness and probity of the 2017 Legislative Assembly Election.

Mr Tong made the remarks on Tuesday (28 February) during a meeting with current members of the Legislative Assembly, including its President, Mr Ho Iat Seng.

The Commission was pressing ahead with all the preparatory work for the forthcoming election, including formulation of binding guidelines for campaigning. Mr Tong said the Commission would analyse thoroughly the opinions of Assembly members.

During the meeting, Assembly members expressed views regarding their understanding of the campaigning process; electoral spending; use of online media for campaigning; and the issue of defamation in an electoral campaign context.