PORT DICKSON: Political parties must adhere to the law or face action during the state polls campaign period, says Negri Sembilan police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Alzafny Ahmad.
Alzafny said he had met with party leaders and candidates contesting the polls to remind them of the rules of campaigning. He added that district police chiefs had issued similar reminders to candidates and their respective parties.
“Campaign in the spirit of democracy and do not touch on 3R (race, religion, royalty) sensitivities. Do not do anything that can spread hate or negative discourse.
“All parties, especially candidates, should campaign without saying anything that impacts relations,” he told reporters at the nomination centre here on Saturday (July 18).
He said no untoward incidents occurred throughout nomination day and the situation remained under control.
Alzafny noted that about 2,733 officers were deployed across the nomination centres in the state and their surroundings to prevent disruptions when supporters gathered.
“Based on feedback, both traffic and supporters were under control, with most having dispersed as soon as the returning officers made official candidate announcements,” he said.
He thanked political parties and their supporters for cooperating with the police.
According to Alzafny, the highest number of supporters gathered at the nomination centre in Jempol with about 2,500 people present. The fewest supporters were recorded in Pilah where about 1,000 people attended.
“As of now, no police reports in regards to nomination day have been lodged,” he said.
The campaign period for the Negri Sembilan polls began Saturday and will last until midnight on July 31. Polling day is scheduled for Aug 1.
