KOTA KINABALU: Police will mobilise over 900 police personnel and officials for the upcoming by-elections in Lamag and Kinabatangan in Sabah.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said that although these two seats are not considered hot or difficult, police will remain on high alert to ensure a smooth by-election process from start to finish.
For this Saturday’s (Jan 10) nominations, a total of 646 personnel will be stationed at various centres and other locations for safety, while 837 personnel will be on ground duty throughout the campaign up to polling day.
These personnel and officials are from Sandakan, Beluran, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Kinabatangan police stations, among others.
Jauteh reminded political parties, candidates and their supporters to be mindful of the community’s sensitivities and avoid provocations. He also urged all those involved in the by-elections to conduct their campaigns and other duties with professionalism and discipline.
The Election Commission reminded candidates to submit their nomination papers to the returning officers between 9am and 10am on Saturday.
EC secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said nomination forms must be handed in by the candidate, seconder and supporter, or any one or two of them. He advised candidates to fill in their forms and recheck them early at the election commission office or returning officer’s office before nomination day and to pay their deposits earlier.
Receipts of payment must be brought on nomination day as proof, while candidates representing political parties must present the letter of authority to use their party symbol when submitting nomination papers.
Candidates who have paid their deposits for election campaign materials will be subject to the Election Offences Act 1954 (Act 5) and local authorities’ by-laws.
Khairul said the EC reminds all candidates and political parties involved in the coming by-election to strictly follow all rules and regulations on nomination day and thereafter.
