LIVE | Malacca polls now closed, low voter turnout
MALACCA POLLS | After 12 days of campaigning, Malaccans head to the polls today.
Duking out in this election are the three major coalitions - BN, Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan.
Either coalition must win at least 15 out of the 28 seats up for grabs to gain a simple majority to form the new government.
The state election was triggered by a group of rebel Umno and Bersatu leaders who had tried to bring down their own government amid an internal tussle.
However, Umno's incumbent Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali blocked their attempt to form a new government with the opposition by seeking a dissolution of the state assembly on Oct 4, paving the way for fresh polls.
Malaysiakini brings you the highlights of voting day until polls close at 5.30pm...
MALACCA POLLS | After 12 days of campaigning, Malaccans head to the polls today.
Duking out in this election are the three major coalitions - BN, Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan.
Either coalition must win at least 15 out of the 28 seats up for grabs to gain a simple majority to form the new government.
The state election was triggered by a group of rebel Umno and Bersatu leaders who had tried to bring down their own government amid an internal tussle.
However, Umno's incumbent Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali blocked their attempt to form a new government with the opposition by seeking a dissolution of the state assembly on Oct 4, paving the way for fresh polls.
Malaysiakini brings you the highlights of voting day until polls close at 5.30pm.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Anwar concerned over poor turnout
- More leaders violating campaign blackout
- Harapan says issue on party rep being chased out resolved
- KJ's poster on Instagram violates 'no campaign' rule
- PKR claims party rep chased out of polling station
- First-time BN candidate casts his vote
For live coverage of the results, click here.
5.35pm: This concludes Malaysiakini's live coverage of the Malacca election voting process.
Support our efforts by subscribing to Malaysiakini here.
The reports throughout the election campaign were brought to you by Hariz Mohd, Low Choon Chyuan, Yasmin Ramlan, Raveena Nagotra, Phung Yie Wen, Azneal Ishak, Mukhriz Hazi and Vivian Yap.
Polling now closed
5.30pm: Polling for the Malacca election has come to a close.
Follow us on our live results page to find out how today's state polls turn out.
Voter turnout slows down again
5.10pm: Voter turnout has slowed down again. As of 4pm, the turnout was 61 percent, just four percent more than an hour earlier.
This may make it unlikely that the Election Commission's 70 percent voter turnout target will be met.
Polls will close at 5.30pm.
The low turnout has rattled several politicians.
Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin, in a Facebook video, while standing in front of the PN logo, urges voters to carry out their duties and cast ballots, while not specifically saying who they should vote for. The video, however, is titled "Undilah Perikatan Nasional" (Vote for Perikatan Nasional).
Anwar concerned over poor turnout
4.55PM: PKR president Anwar Ibrahim is concerned over the turnout, which he describes as "very poor".
"Normally by 1pm, you should exceed over 50 or 60 percent. This is of course concerning to us. It is difficult to assess," he tells reporters in Kuching, Sarawak.
Quizzed on Harapan's chances, Anwar says it is good but reiterates that it is difficult to assess.
As of 3pm, the turnout for the Malacca state polls was 57 percent.
Phantom counting agent?
4.30pm: SMK Malim, Melaka Tengah – What has been a smooth and mundane voting process at the Kesidang constituency polling station this evening is met by a rather weird case.
A representative of DAP candidate Allex Seah approaches the police and Election Commission officers, complaining that he does not recognise a vote-counting agent, who claims that he is there on Seah's behalf.
The agent, who is also at the scene, however, asserts that he is legit and shows a signed form that says he has been appointed to monitor the vote-counting process at the polling station, which will start soon after voting is closed at 5.30pm.
Authorities then tell the duo to sort out the issue.
The issue is solved when Seah turns up to meet both of them and finds out that it's just a case of miscommunication.
They learn that the agent is actually present on behalf of Perikatan Nasional candidate Patrick Ng instead of Seah.
It is believed the confusion occurred when the agent said he was here for Kesidang, referring to the constituency instead of Seah.
This is because Seah is the incumbent Kesidang assemblyperson, and is often referred to as Kesidang especially during state assembly sittings.
Octogenarian still in high spirit
4.10pm: SMK Malim, Melaka Tengah - Agnes Beth may be aged and unable to walk, but her spirit to fulfil her obligation as a citizen is never broken.
According to her niece, the 83-year-old has never missed casting her vote since she was eligible to do so.
"When we have to vote, I definitely will go out to vote, unless no one can help to take me.
"Today, I have my niece to bring me here," Agnes tells Malaysiakini.
Voter turnout at 3pm is at 57pct
4.10pm: Voter turnout as of 3pm is at 57 percent, which is a seven percent jump compared to an hour earlier.
This puts it close to turnout during the Sabah election last year, which was at 58 percent by 3pm.
Kesidang still sees many voters turning up
3.30pm: SMK Malim, Melaka Tengah - Voters continue to throng the polling centre for Kesidang state constituency.
They include many senior citizens who are accompanied by family members.
According to an Election Commission personnel, the polling centre provides 12 voting streams to cater to over 5,800 registered voters.
It is learned that the centre saw a heavier number of voters earlier in the morning.
Stroke victim determined to cast his vote
3pm: Sekolah Kebangsaan Durian Daun 'K’ - Bernama has reported the determination of stroke patient Abdul Rahim Yaacob, who is taken to the polling centre by ambulance due to his limited movements.
Abdul Rahim, 57, who’s using a wheelchair, is ferried from his house in Kampung Durian Daun, about 2.4km from the polling centre, by a St John Ambulance of Malaysia.
He says the Election Commission staff members at the polling centre have been very helpful as he needs assistance to move around for the voting process.
“If we lose one vote, we lose, so I vote.
"Even though I am unwell due to stroke, I must fulfil my responsibility to vote as a citizen,” he says.
Voter turnout reaches 50pct as of 2pm
2.50pm: The Election Commission says that as of 2pm, voter turnout in the Malacca state election has reached 50 percent.
By way of comparison, the voter turnout for Sabah election in September last year was 54 percent at 2pm and the final turnout was 66.61 percent.
More leaders violating campaign blackout
2.30pm: After Umno's Khairy Jamaluddin is spotted urging Malacca voters to choose BN on his Instagram account, other political leaders have been spotted infringing rules about not campaigning on polling day.
Umno and BN chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has uploaded a video around noon to his Facebook page featuring interviews with Malaccans about why they support BN.
The five-minute 46-second video clip is titled “Stability for Prosperity”, the coalition’s tagline for the Malacca election.
Perak DAP chief Nga Kor Ming has also called on voters to choose his Pakatan Harapan coalition by upping posters and tweeting: “Vote Harapan now to save our nation and your children’s future.
“Never allow bigots, political frogs, and thieves to dictate your fate. Jom, undi! (Come vote).”
Another apparent offender is Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin who has been filmed visiting a Chinese coffee shop in Kampung Machap Baru this morning and greeting patrons alongside the party’s Machap Jaya candidate Tai Siong Jiul.
The Harapan-PKR candidate for the seat, Law Bing Haw, has since lodged a police report, calling for action to be taken.
Tanjung Bidara sees over 50pct voter turnout at 1pm
1.20pm: SK Pengkalan Balak, Masjid Tanah - Pakatan Harapan candidate for Tanjung Bidara, Zainal Hassan, says the voter turnout rate at polling stations in the constituency is around 50 percent as of 1pm.
This is based on his rounds at five polling stations.
"The highest turnout so far is at SK Pengkalan Balak, which is at 52 percent.
"I would like to remind Tanjung Bidara voters to please come out to vote before 5.30pm today," he says.
Noon turnout of 36pct lower than Sabah polls
1.10pm: The Election Commission says that as of noon, voter turnout for the Malacca state election has reached 36 percent.
The voter turnout at the Sabah election last year was 41 percent at noon and the final turnout was 66.61 percent.
Harapan says issue on polling agent being chased out resolved
1pm: Pakatan Harapan Operations Centre, Ayer Molek - Pakatan Harapan assures that the issue with their polling agent being chased out of the SK Bendahara Seri Maharaja has been resolved.
However, PKR legal adviser G Manivanan says they will not retract their police statement at the moment.
“There is a commitment to work together. We don’t want to make any decisions at the moment, but if the cooperation is genuine, we accept it with an open heart.”
Meanwhile, PKR raises a different issue with the Election Commission over the EC’s Form 14.
According to them, an official notice at each voting centre states that the form can be signed off by counting agents and does not need to be signed off by EC Presiding Officer
Form 14 is the official statement of counting in that station and cannot be changed. Previously, without a signature on Form 14 by an EC presiding officer, it is possible for the results to be changed.
PKR fears that if Form 14 is not signed by a presiding officer, it will be unverified in court and legal matters.
Lunch break for some EC workers
12.55pm: SK Pengkalan Balak, Masjid Tanah - Election Commission workers are starting to take turns to have lunch as the number of voters is slowing down.
A small group of the workers begins distributing packed food and digging in their nasi biryani with chicken in chilli gravy, while others continue to man the station.
Some are initially reluctant to have their lunch now but are urged by a more senior worker to take the opportunity when they have it.
"You better have your lunch now, or else you might be starving later," she is heard telling her colleagues.
Swift process at SK Bukit Rambai
12.45pm: SK Bukit Rambai - More than 50 voters are ready to cast their votes and they form a long line outside SK Bukit Rambai.
However, the line is moving fairly fast with voters spending an average of 15 minutes in and out of the polling centre.
The Election Commission says that as of 11am, voter turnout in the Malacca state election has reached 27 percent.
KJ's poster on Instagram violates ‘no campaign’ rule
12.15pm: Petaling Jaya - A poster by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin on Instagram urging Malacca voters to vote for BN is making waves as a possible violation of the Election Offences Act.
In the story, a poster of an animated version of Khairy is seen urging voters to choose BN for stability and prosperity.
While not commenting directly on the poster, Election Commission deputy chairperson Azmi Sharom says that it is in the law that there will be "no campaigning permitted on polling day".
PKR claims party rep chased out of polling station
12pm: Pakatan Harapan Operations Centre, Ayer Molek – Pakatan Harapan is holding a press conference to highlight allegations that a polling agent was chased out of a polling centre.
Mohd Bazain Yusof, 66, who represents Harapan’s Ayer Molek candidate Mohd Rafee Ibrahim, says he has filed a police report on the matter at the Kandang district police station.
In the report sighted by Malaysiakini, he alleges the incident took place at 10.15am where he was informed by a polling agent that he had to leave after two hours at SK Bendahara Seri Maharaja Kandang Melaka, in the Kandang district.
Voter cries foul after name being crossed before she arrives
11.15am: Dewan Bukit Beruang Majlis Perbandaran Hang Tuah Jaya - A woman arrives at the polling centre but is shocked when the Election Commission informs her that her vote has been cast.
An officer tells her that she is unable to vote despite her finger having not been inked.
DAP Ayer Keroh candidate Kerk Chee Yee arrives at the centre and demands a response from the EC.
The incumbent state representative urges the authorities to investigate the case.
"The lady complained to us that she hasn't voted but her name has been crossed off the list.
"Therefore, she is unable to vote.
"I hope this will be investigated and she will lodge a police report," says Kerk.
Malacca Gerakan chief unrecognisable by voters
11.09am: Dewan Bukit Beruang Majlis Perbandaran Hang Tuah Jaya - Malacca Gerakan chairperson Michael Gan Peng visits the polling centre, but the voters are having a hard time recognising the Ayer Keroh candidate.
A 70-year-old voter who only wants to be known as Leong says he doesn't recognise Gan and didn't see him during the campaigning period.
Meanwhile, Gan says the chances of Malacca Gerakan candidates winning their seats "are very encouraging".
Responding to the Kedah PAS government banning the gambling shops, Gan assures that it won't be implemented in Malacca as it is a tourism-oriented state.
He also blames the opponents for "playing" the issue during the election.
"We rely on tourism, so for me, I don't think it will affect Malacca. It won't happen in Malacca.
"Don't be influenced by those who said what happened in Kedah will happen in Malacca."
Voters' turnout hits 17pct
10.30am: Sekolah Kebangsaan Durian Daun (K), Masjid Tanah - Crowds are queuing up at the polling station where outgoing Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali cast his vote earlier for the Lendu seat.
Sulaiman has been the state assemblyperson for Lendu since May 2013 and assumed the helm of the state government in March 2020 following the collapse of the then Pakatan Harapan administration.
The Election Commission reports that as of 10am, voter turnout has hit 17 percent.
First-time BN candidate casts his vote
10.12am: SMK Paya Rumput - BN candidate for Paya Rumput Rais Yasin finishes casting his voting and walks towards the media.
Apart from his father, he is also accompanied by his wife Ernie Aidilia Karim who also voted in the same place.
Rais is contesting for the first time in this election.
Voter has run-in with cops
9.45am: SMK Paya Rumput - There is some tension between police officers on duty and a voter.
He is not complying with the police's order to park his vehicle at a distance of 50 metres from the polling station.
He says he has a health problem that requires him to park his car less than 50 meters from the permitted distance.
Dissatisfied with the instructions from the police, he scolds the police officers and rushes into the polling station with his wife.
It’s down memory lane for Ab Rauf
9.20am: SK Jeram, Masjid Tanah - Casting a vote at SK Jeram has taken BN candidate for Tanjung Bidara Ab Rauf Yusoh down the memory lane.
According to the Malacca BN chief, the primary school was where he received his early education back in 1967.
"This school only had dirt as its floor back then, but now it is one of the best schools in this area.
"I thank the government for its efforts.
"Coming back here also gives me a morale boost to return the favour by providing my service to Tanjung Bidara," he says.
Asked about BN's chance to form a government, Rauf says he leaves it to Allah, but is confident that the people will support the coalition.
Najib confident BN will form majority
9.20am: SK Jeram, Masjid Tanah - Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak expresses his confidence that BN will be able to form a majority.
When asked about what BN will do if the election result saw a hung situation, Najib says: "We will cross the bridge when we come to it. Who says there will be a hung situation?"
Najib spends about 10 minutes meeting the BN candidate for Tanjung Bidara Ab Rauf Yusoh and other BN supporters before leaving for another location.
Voters want end to party-hopping
9.15am: SMK Paya Rumput - Despite the increasing number of Covid-19 infections in the country, some voters interviewed by Malaysiakini say they want to carry out their responsibilities as Malaysians.
Couple Jamin Ali, 67, and Normah Zohdi, 66, hope that the party-hopping among politicians in Malacca will not happen again.
"This is my responsibility. We want to elect our leaders.
"I hope there will be no more party hopping because it is difficult for the people. If not, how can we restore our economy?" says Jamin.
Meanwhile, another voter, T Mogan, 35, also hopes that the issue of party-hopping will not arise again.
"I came to vote because I am part of the Malaccan community. I hope there are benefits for the people," he says.
Lone 'Hulk' cries sabotage over his voting centre location
9:10am: SRA Jaim Taman Datuk Tamby Chik Karim, Kesidang - Pengkalan Batu’s controversial candidate Noorhizam Hassan Baktee, also known as ‘Hulk’, has come to smash, crying possible sabotage by the Election Commission on voting centre allocation.
He claims that he and his wife are usual voters at SK Peringgit, a voting centre in the Pengkalan Batu constituency, but they were suddenly assigned to vote in the Kesidang district.
“I am disappointed. Because I am a voter. I am a candidate. I am a voter at SK Peringgit, but when I checked on the computer, I am a voter in Kesidang."
He adds that he has sent a letter of objection to the Election Commission after nomination day, but has yet to receive a reply.
Earlier, he arrived at gloomy Kesidang polling centre alone on a motorcycle, sans entourage.
When asked why he chose a humble vehicle as a mode of transportation, he says he has the spirit of the rakyat.
“I have the rakyat’s spirit. Where can you find a leader that can handle the hot (weather) and rain? They are spoiled. I am not.”
His motorcycle is seen brandished with his campaign stickers, including his infamous tagline “They (other political leaders) have only sown promises, I have shown devotion.”
Noorhizam previously won the Pengkalan Batu seat with a DAP ticket in 2018. He is now defending his seat as an independent candidate due to his contribution to the collapse of both the Pakatan Harapan and Umno-Bersatu governments.
After voting, Noorhizam shows off his inked finger but keeps a secret on who he voted for.
Contesting in the Kesidang area is his former colleague, DAP’s Allex Seah Shoo Chin.
BN's CM candidate votes at his primary school
8.40am: SK Durian Daun - BN's chief ministerial candidate Sulaiman Md Ali casts his vote in his own primary school.
Sulaiman expresses gratitude to the Election Commission as the voting process runs smoothly and he feels satisfied as a lot of people has come out to vote.
He also urges people who haven’t voted to come out as this state election will be for a five-year term and there will not be another state election next year.
Harapan's CM candidate votes
8.25am: SK Durian Tunggal - Pakatan Harapan's chief ministerial candidate Adly Zahari, clad in a white shirt and blue mask, arrives with his wife to cast his vote.
There is already a long queue here since the polls opened.
Political parties have urged voters to go out early in anticipation of thunderstorms in the afternoon despite the Election Commission urging voters to spread out their attendance throughout the day to avoid crowds.
Amanah's Adly is defending his Bukit Katil seat but is a voter in Durian Tunggal where his party colleague Mohd Sofi Abdul Wahab is also defending the seat.
After voting, Adly shows his inked finger. Election officials encourage all voters to leave the scene upon voting.
Speaking to the media, Adly urges voters to come out to vote early.
"Yes, it is cloudy, but I think it will be better in the noon. We hope the voters to come out to vote as soon as possible," he says.
In the 2018 general election, Mohd Sofi won Durian Tunggal with only a 763-vote majority. He garnered 5,213 votes to BN's 4,450 votes and PAS' 1,391 votes.
In this election, Sofi is facing BN's Zhari Abd Kalil, PN's Ja'afar Othman and independent candidate Mohd Erfan Mahrilar.
PN's CM candidate casts her vote
8.15am: SK Ramuan China Besar, Masjid Tanah - Perikatan Nasional candidate for Tanjung Bidara Mas Ermieyati Samsudin exits the polling station after casting her vote.
Mas, who is also the PN chief minister candidate, says she is happy to see the polling process has started smoothly and hopes that voters will come out in droves to cast their votes.
Polls open under strict Covid-19 SOP
8am: Voting begins for all 28 state seats in Malacca. There are a total of 495,195 eligible voters. They will vote at 217 polling stations across the state.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department forecasts clear skies in the Melaka Tengah, Jasin and Alor Gajah districts but expects state-wide thunderstorms in the afternoon.
The polls today will be conducted under strict standard operating procedures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
All voters must wear a face mask, practise social distancing, record their body temperature and scan the MySejahtera QR code at the polling station.
Those with a body temperature of 37.5 degrees Celcius will still be allowed to vote but must cast their vote at a segregated tent after which they will be examined by health officials.
On Nov 16, a total of 11,557 registered early voters comprising military personnel and their spouses and police personnel have also voted.
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