NIBONG TEBAL: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has assured the over 39,000 voters in Sungai Bakap that they can come out to vote this Saturday without any worry or fear.
He said the 835 policemen on duty since nomination day on June 22 until polling day this Saturday, would monitor the situation and ensure voters' safety.
"There is no need to worry, no need to fear. Come out to vote. Fulfil your responsibility as a voter.
"With this guarantee given, I am sure the remaining campaign period and polling day will proceed smoothly," he told newsmen at the Bilik Gerakan Utama Perpaduan at Jalan Besar here today.
Elaborating, Saifuddin said since nomination day, police had received four reports on various election offences under the Election Offences Act and Penal Code.
"With only four reports received throughout, it showed that the overall campaigning for the Sungai Bakap by-electionis under control.
"Also, 153 permits for various programmes were approved for both Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional. None were rejected.
"This is proof of a level playing field. There are no obstacles, no constraints," he added.
As such, Saifuddin said he disagreed with what was said by Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who painted a picture that Pas and Perikatan Nasional's campaign was being controlled and closely monitored by the police.
"There is no truth to such claims.
"What I mentioned showed that everything is done fairly and according to the law, not as claimed by Pas.
"What are they trying to portray? None other than unfairness in campaigning. I want to deny that and urge them to focus on campaigning, like us," he said.
Polling for the Sungai Bakap by-election has been fixed for July 6.
The by-election will see a straight fight between Pakatan Harapan's Dr Joohari Ariffin and Perikatan Nasional's Abidin Ismail.
Today in the 13th day of campaigning.
Previously, Saifuddin had assured voters in Sungai Bakap of their safety throughout the by-election period, especially when they come out to cast their votes on July 6.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/1064207/saifuddin-assures-sun...