Negeri Sembilan Police Warn Political Parties to Follow Campaign Laws Ahead of State Polls

PORT DICKSON: Political parties and candidates contesting the Negri Sembilan State Election have been urged to strictly comply with election laws and campaign responsibly, with police warning that legal action will be taken against anyone who violates the regulations during the campaign period.

Negri Sembilan Police Chief Deputy Commissioner Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said police had engaged with political party leaders and candidates ahead of the campaign to remind them of their responsibilities under the law.

He said district police chiefs had also conducted separate briefings with candidates and their respective parties to ensure that campaign activities remain peaceful and in line with democratic principles.

“We encourage all parties to campaign in the true spirit of democracy and avoid touching on sensitive 3R issues involving race, religion and royalty. Campaigns should not spread hatred, provoke tension or create negative narratives that could jeopardise public harmony,” Alzafny told reporters after monitoring nomination proceedings on Saturday.

He stressed that candidates should focus on presenting their policies and manifestos without making statements that could damage relations among communities or threaten public order.

Alzafny said nomination day concluded without any untoward incidents, describing the overall security situation as calm and well-managed.

To ensure public safety, approximately 2,733 police officers and personnel were deployed at nomination centres and surrounding areas throughout Negri Sembilan.

According to the police chief, crowd control and traffic management proceeded smoothly, with supporters dispersing peacefully shortly after returning officers officially announced the list of candidates.

He expressed appreciation to political parties, candidates and their supporters for cooperating with the police throughout the nomination process.

Among all nomination centres, Jempol recorded the highest turnout of supporters, with an estimated 2,500 people in attendance, while Pilah had the lowest turnout at around 1,000 supporters.

“As of now, no police reports related to nomination day have been received,” Alzafny said, adding that authorities would continue monitoring campaign activities closely throughout the election period.

The official campaign period for the Negri Sembilan State Election began on Saturday, July 18, immediately after the conclusion of nominations and will continue until 11.59pm on July 31.

Polling is scheduled to take place on August 1, when voters across the state will elect representatives to form the next Negri Sembilan state government.

Source: The Star / Bernama