ARMY personnel who were registered as postal voters began voting on November 7 while early voters, comprising 146,737 military personnel and their spouses, will vote on Tuesday, Armed Forces chief Affendi Buang said.

In a statement, Affendi added that the Election Commission (EC) has gazetted 153 early polling stations nationwide for its personnel involved in Tuesday’s vote.

“Armed forces personnel who were registered as postal voters have been voting from November 7 and the process will continue until November 19 before 5pm.”

“As for early voters, 153 polling stations have been gazetted and 146,737 military personnel including their spouses are expected to exercise their right (to vote),” he said.

The statement comes after Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Anwar Ibrahim had claimed that he had evidence military personnel, particularly those in Bera, had cast their ballots on Thursday and were paid RM300 each to do so.

At a press conference in Kuching yesterday, Anwar said he could prove his allegations and called for an investigation to be held.

“I have made an open statement and the Election Commission has asked me to provide evidence. Therefore, I will give it to them,” he said.

Bera incumbent and caretaker prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob slammed Anwar over his allegation, dismissing it as “malicious” and “slanderous”.

Ismail told Anwar to withdraw his statement, saying the PKR president had insulted the armed forces.

Malaysia will go to the polls on November 19.

In his statement, Affendi did not touch on Anwar’s claim.

He said the army will be on standby to assist the EC on polling day as the country is expected to experience heavy rain and thunderstorms.

“The army is ready to help the EC, local authorities and the public in ensuring the voting process runs smoothly and at the same time it is to ensure the safety and the well-being of the people,” he said.

He stressed that the army will continue to focus on strengthening its forces in order to protect national interests and the country’s sovereignty. – November 13, 2022.