SEREMBAN: Political parties emerging victorious in the Negri Sembilan state polls must ensure their supporters abide by the law at all times, says the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
"As we know, the police's responsibility spans before, during, and after the polls, and we are aware that post-election tensions could spark unrest, particularly if a transition of power occurs.
"Therefore, post-election, there might be factions trying to instigate one another, for example if there is a change in leadership and so on, and we don’t want that," he told reporters after visiting the SM KGV polling centre on Saturday (Aug 1).
On the state election, he said police had received 92 police reports since nomination day, with the majority related to offences such as vandalising or damaging election material of rival political parties.
Twenty-four investigation papers have been opened so far.
Four of these reports, he said, were related to claims of vote-buying.
"Most of the cases we are probing are minor offences such as vandalism against the banners and flags of the contesting parties," he said.
Mohd Khalid said generally, the election process in the 36 constituencies has been smooth.
Police, he said, had deployed 5,500 personnel, including from other states, during the polls.
"Apart from the usual enforcement, we are also focusing on 26 hotspot areas in the state to prevent any untoward incident.
"I would like to appeal to everyone to maintain peace and decorum, and to always abide by the existing election rules and laws," he said.
Regarding the investigation into Perikatan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor over alleged campaign remarks in Jempol, Mohd Khalid said the probe is still ongoing.
"We are trying to obtain a statement from him as he is currently in Kedah.
"The state police chief has made the necessary arrangements to send a team to record his statement," he said.
He said police will also gather evidence from other witnesses to complete their probe before the investigation paper is forwarded to the Attorney General's Chambers.
