K. Kangsar, S. Besar by-elections most peaceful in history — Ahmad Zahid

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KUALA KANGSAR: The Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections are the most peaceful in the history of by-elections in the country, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said even though there were by-elections held during Ramadan, they were different from the campaign here and in Sungai Besar.

“This may be due to better police service compared to those in the past,” he said during a visit to a Police Tactical Camp (Martek) for the Kuala Kangsar by-election here yesterday.

He said there were several factors contributing to the peace in the by-elections this time around, and it included the maturity of contesting political parties apart security forces working harder.

“This is not just about compliance to the Election Commission Act 1957 or Police Act 1967 but more than that, it is about the maturity to respect the democratic system to ensure it proceeded smoothly in Malaysia,” he said.

He added that since nomination day on June 5 to date, only 11 police reports were lodged and hoped the peace would continue until polling day on June 18.

The Kuala Kangsar by-election is a four-cornered fight involving Barisan Nasional (BN), PAS, Amanah and Independent.

Perak police chief Datuk Seri Abd Rahim Hanafi said as at yesterday, five investigation papers had been opened based on the 11 police reports received.

He said they included investigations on two paragliders on nomination day under Section 143 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016.

The two by-elections are called following the deaths of their incumbents in a helicopter crash in Sarawak on May 5. — Bernama