Polling mostly smooth, says IGP

Media briefing: Razaruddin talking at the special press conference in Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Most of the police reports lodged on polling day for the six state elections involved the misuse of MyKad, says Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.

The Inspector-General of Police said out of the 48 police reports lodged yesterday, 42 involved the misuse of other people’s MyKad under Section 7 of the Election Offences Act.

“As of 6pm, Selangor has the most reported cases with 16, followed by Kedah (nine), Penang (eight), Terengganu (five), Negri Sembilan (three) and one in Kelantan.

“We are not ruling out the possibility of more of such cases being reported,” he told a special press conference in Bukit Aman yesterday.

Among the other cases were two reports of unsealed ballot boxes in Penang, printing paper mimicking ballots, and a report over unhappiness that a finger on an individual’s right hand was dipped in ink, Razarudin said.

I wed, I voteBride Nur Azmina Azwami, 25, casting her ballot at the SK Seri Impian polling centre for the Penanti seat in Permatang Pauh. — Bernama

“We refer such cases to the Election Commission (EC).

“We also detected cases of damaging flags of political parties under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief.

“However, there were no case of rioting, arson or assault,” he added.

The IGP said despite the police reports lodged on polling day, the election process was smooth.

Voting ends: EC officers closing the door of the polling centre at SJK (C) Khai Tee at Pasir Penambang, Kuala Selangor. — KK SHAM/The Star

Razarudin said Bukit Aman would be conducting roadblocks nationwide from midnight yesterday as part of a post-election operation.

He said the Ops Kawal Nusa was aimed at crime prevention and to ensure safety and public order.

“We also remind all supporters not to organise parades with vehicles or large gatherings once the election results are announced.

“We will take stern action against any party or individual who breaks the law,” he said.

The IGP said the police would also focus on safeguarding state palaces and government administrative centres after the results were announced.

Counting starts: EC officers carrying the ballot boxes into the Sungai Jawi multi-purpose hall in Nibong Tebal. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

“We want to ensure no disturbance to the respective Sultans and governors,” he said.

He commended the candidates and supporters who have shown political maturity since nomination day by not causing trouble.

“I hope such situation will continue during the post-election period,” he said.

The country’s top cop also saluted all police personnel and officers involved in the elections for their hard work and sacrifice.