Melaka: The 16th Melaka State Election should not be turned into a platform for provocation that could disrupt public order, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. He emphasized the importance of conducting the democratic process in a peaceful and orderly manner. While acknowledging the freedom of the people to support different parties and hold differing views and political choices, Ab Rauf insisted that security, public well-being, and state stability should always remain the top priority.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ab Rauf stated, "Elections are a space for democracy, not a platform for provocation. We may have different parties, views and choices, but when it comes to the security, the people's well-being and the state stability, our principles must be clear, there is no political interest greater than peace in the state." He made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the Latih Amal Ex-Undi Per PRN Ke-16 Negeri Melaka (Simulasi Ketenteraman Awam) programme at Dewan Datuk Kapt (B) Haji Ab Karim. Present at the event were Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department deputy director, DCP Datuk M.V Srikumar, and Melaka police chief, Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar.
Ab Rauf highlighted that the simulation exercise was not merely a demonstration but a reflection of the state government's and security forces' readiness to ensure peace. He expressed his gratitude to the Melaka Police Contingent for proposing the exercise, marking it as the first of its kind in the state.
Meanwhile, Dzulkhairi stated that all parties involved are fully prepared for the upcoming Melaka state election, expected to be held this September. The two-day simulation demonstrated the preparedness of the entire state security machinery for various situations throughout the election process, including escorting ballot boxes, riot control, managing provocation, fire incidents, and crowd dispersal, all in accordance with set procedures.
He added, "We anticipated some elements of provocation from the public, but intelligence gathering indicates that Melaka remains peaceful and under control. Although we do not anticipate riots, we are still making initial preparations." Dzulkhairi noted that any weaknesses identified during the exercise would be addressed, and standard operating procedures refined to ensure the highest level of preparedness.
The large-scale simulation involved a total of 395 officers, personnel, and representatives from various agencies, including the National Security Council, the Election Commission, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Civil Defence Force, and the Health Ministry. The 16th Melaka State Election will see 685,455 registered voters casting their ballots at 264 polling centres, involving 1,198 voting streams throughout the state.
To ensure the smooth running of the voting process, Melaka police will deploy over 3,300 officers and members, supported by the Public Order Riot Unit (PORU), a Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) troop, and the activation of four operations rooms at the contingent and district levels.