NIBONG TEBAL: Two cases of election offences are being investigated for breach of the law, says Comm Datuk Hamzah Ahmad.
The Penang police chief said police have since opened two investigation papers under Section 427 of the Penal Code and Section 4(a) of the Election Offences Act 1954.
“As we are in the second phase of the campaign period, and three days before polling day, so far police have received one report on an incident involving vandalism of campaign materials on June 27 and another report of an election offence on July 2,” he said in a statement Wednesday (July 2).
Comm Hamzah also said another 15 permits had been issued to contesting parties, bringing the total number of permits approved so far to 135.
Comm Hamzah said with three remaining days to go, all parties are advised not to provoke one another during campaigning, including through vandalism or damaging campaign materials.
He said police would like to thank all political parties, supporters and the public for complying and cooperating well with the police.
“We hope this cooperation can be continued until polling day without any unwanted incidents.
“We also like to advise everyone not to play up any 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues,” he said.
The July 6 by-election will witness a straight fight between Pakatan candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin and Perikatan Nasional’s Abidin Ismail, following the demise of the incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.
The Election Commission (EC) has designated a 14-day campaign period for the by-election from June 22 until 11.59pm on July 5.
Polling day will be on Saturday (July 6).
Earlier, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and his wife Puan Sri Zainah Othman visited South Seberang Perai police headquarters on July 1.
His arrival was welcomed by Hamzah at Sekolah Menentang Jawi.
The purpose of his visit was to ensure thorough security preparations for the upcoming Sungai Bakap by-election.
Razarudin also visited the Sungai Bakap police station during his visit to the constituency.
Present were the heads of departments, district police chiefs, formation heads, senior police officers from South Seberang Perai police headquarters and all personnel from the Sungai Bakap police station.
