Why did supporters wear Mahathir masks at the rally?

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Mahathir Masks Worn to Show Unified Support and Protest Election Commission's Actions

Supporters at a Pakatan Harapan rally in Yong Peng wore masks featuring the likeness of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a demonstration of unified support for him as the prime minister candidate. This action also served as a response to the Election Commission's directive to remove Dr Mahathir's image from campaign materials in the area. Over 3,000 such masks were distributed to attendees by Johor DAP chief Liew Chin Tong, who is contesting the Ayer Hitam federal constituency.
Demonstration of Unified Prime Ministerial Support

The presence of hundreds of attendees wearing Mahathir masks was orchestrated as a creative strategy to visually represent widespread backing for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Pakatan Harapan's choice for prime minister. This symbolic act aimed to underscore the coalition's commitment to their chosen leader, even in his physical absence from the rally, which was held in Putrajaya. DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng specifically prompted the crowd to don the masks and activate their phone flashlights to create a "light show" while chanting "Pakatan Harapan," amplifying the message of solidarity.
Response to Election Commission's Removal of Images

Liew Chin Tong explained that the distribution of the Mahathir masks was a direct reaction to the Election Commission's decision to have his image removed from campaign billboards. The commission's reasoning was that Dr Mahathir was not a candidate in that specific area and not a leader within the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) party. This move by the Election Commission was perceived as an impediment to the campaign's messaging, prompting the use of the masks as a workaround to still prominently feature Dr Mahathir in campaign efforts.
Significant Distribution and Rally Attendance

A substantial quantity of over 3,000 masks bearing Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's face were distributed by Liew Chin Tong within the Ayer Hitam federal constituency, which he is contesting. This initiative contributed to a visually striking display at the rally, held at Dataran Gemilang in Yong Peng. The event, titled Ceramah Perdana Harapan Yong Peng, was one of several large-scale rallies planned for central Johor, with another simultaneous event taking place in Simpang Renggam.

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Why did supporters wear Mahathir masks at the rally?

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