SEVENTEEN police reports on election offences have been lodged thus far in the Cameron Highlands by-election campaign period.

District police chief Ashari Abu Samah said police are investigating four issues, namely bribery, damaged tents, a matter concerning ballot papers that has gone viral and the flag-tearing incident in Sg Koyan.

“We are investigating the matter in Sg Koyan. We also received one report lodged by the Barisan Nasional candidate (Ramli Mohd Nor).

“We have opened one investigation paper under Section 5(6b) of the Election Commission Act 1954 on the ballot paper issue,” he said at the media centre in Tanah Rata today.

Earlier today, Ramli lodged a report in Sg Koyan, saying the vehicle he was travelling in had been stopped by Deputy Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji, and that the latter had verbally abused his team.

He said Zulpuri had hit out at Barisan Nasional supporters for tearing Pakatan Harapan flags off a Pahang government vehicle.

Ashari said police are also investigating the alleged misuse of a government vehicle during the polls campaign.

“The issue is under investigation, and we will give updates from time to time. We are waiting to take statements from witnesses.”

On the reports on bribery, he said the matter has been handed over to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, as instructed by the attorney-general.

He added that 247 police officers are expected to cast their ballots as early voters tomorrow.

“The 247 comprise active-duty officers, those who have retired and those who were sacked from the force.

“Of the total, 232 will vote in Brinchang from 8am to 5pm, while 15 will vote in Koyan, where the voting period ends at 2pm.”

He said he expects a 90% voter turnout tomorrow.

“We have ordered retired officers to return (to vote). As for those who were sacked, we can’t contact them.”

He said police have issued 25 permits for BN to hold talks, and 16 for PH.

“So far, no party has broken any rules, and there have been no untoward incidents.” – January 21, 2019.