Kuala lumpur: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) received 53 police reports and opened 16 investigation papers in connection with election offences throughout the campaign period for the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election, which ran from July 18 until yesterday. Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said that of the 16 investigation papers opened, 11 were related to statements made by Rembau UMNO information chief Shukri Shamsuddin, who was allegedly linked to remarks involving the royal institution and political parties.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, relevant witnesses have already had their statements recorded, and the police will be summoning the Rembau UMNO information chief soon to facilitate the investigation. In addition, two police reports have also been received regarding statements made by PAS War Chief and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, and investigations are currently underway.
Earlier, Alzafny observed the early voting process at the Nilai District Police Headquarters, which has 473 officers and personnel registered as eligible voters for this state election. Alzafny said all the cases are being investigated under the Election Offences Act 1954, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Meanwhile, he said that throughout the election campaign, his office had approved 536 permits for political talks and campaign activities. On today's early voting process, he said it involved 5,455 police officers, including 281 who are voting by post. The highest number of PDRM voters is in the Seremban parliamentary constituency, with 1,607 officers. The early voting process at all locations proceeded smoothly, peacefully and in an orderly manner.
Alzafny said 1,796 police officers and personnel have been deployed to provide security at polling centres, manage voting channels, escort ballot boxes, and regulate traffic until polling centres close at 5 pm. He reminded all political parties, supporters and the public to continue complying with the law and to refrain from any form of provocation, spreading fake news, issuing seditious remarks, or taking actions that could disrupt public peace and order.
Meanwhile, commenting on allegations raised on social media by activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Che'gu Bard, regarding misconduct or money politics, Alzafny stressed that no official police reports have been received thus far in connection with the issue. However, he affirmed that PDRM remains firmly committed to the principles of the rule of law, transparency and integrity, and would not hesitate to refer the matter to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission should any evidence or formal reports emerge.
A total of 103 candidates are vying for 36 state seats, with general polling for 889,490 voters scheduled for this Saturday.