7 police reports lodged during Ayer Kuning polls so far, says Saifuddin

Summary

• Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirms police have received seven reports linked to the Ayer Kuning by-election.

• Saifuddin says one report questioned the religious credentials of PN's candidate.

• The minister also calls for non-divisive campaigning from all quarters.

AYER KUNING POLLS | Police have received seven complaints so far during the campaign period for the Ayer Kuning by-election, including one report taking issue with the religious credentials (tauliah) of Perikatan Nasional's candidate. 

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail theorised that the report against Tapah PN chief Abd Muhaimin Malek was due to doubts over how the candidate could have obtained such credentials to teach and preach Islam.  

"As part of the process to obtain the tauliah status, (an applicant is required to) declare whether he is involved in politics," Saifuddin told a press conference in Kampung Changkat Petai, Tapah. 

"If (an applicant) is involved in politics, it's highly likely that they won't get the tauliah. 

"In this case, (the declaration) was either made or not. The candidate (Muhaimin) is said to be involved in politics (when the credential was granted), meaning that he potentially did not relay accurate details," the minister added. 

Deception?

Earlier, Perak Amanah chairperson Asmuni Awi raised concerns over allegations that Muhaimin had deceived state religious authorities to obtain credentials to become an ustaz.

The former Manjoi assemblyperson said regulations prohibit individuals holding political positions or contesting in elections from obtaining religious accreditation, which is handled by the state mufti department.

Following a police report filed by Perak Amanah Youth, the state's police spokesperson Zaharudin Rasip confirmed that Muhaimin holds valid religious teaching credentials.

He said the case would be referred to the Perak Islamic Religious Council as the police will not be furthering its investigations into the matter.

As at press time, the religious council has yet to address the issue publicly, with PAS lawmaker Misbahul Munir Masduki arguing that the Perak Mufti Department's lack of action against Muhaimin should silence the candidate's critics. 

Saifuddin said four other reports received by police are linked to alleged misuse of images and suspected acts of sabotage, including certain parties' claims that their banners or flags had been removed by their opponents. 

While the minister did not disclose details regarding two other police complaints, he noted that the relatively low number of reports indicates a good level of adherence to established election campaigning rules. 

Not a hotspot

He also highlighted that police have not classified any Ayer Kuning district voting centre as a "hotspot" where provocations are likely to break out. 

However, he cautioned against campaigns which could create negative sentiments among residents here, urging for all parties to advocate for their respective candidates in a non-divisive manner. 

"We can't assume that just because it has been peaceful before and is peaceful now, it will always remain peaceful," he said. 

"That won’t be the case if there are (individuals), under the banner of politics, who choose a divisive path (by) drawing lines between 'us' and 'them' (based on) different opinions, choices and affiliations (while using) that as a basis to sow hatred. That is unacceptable." 

He said that while parties' supporters brought in for the campaign period will eventually leave the area, residents will be left to deal with potential ill-feelings stoked for political gain. 

Saifuddin stated that it was up to the supporters to promote their respective candidates.

"Give your reasons (based on how) a competent candidate will bring more political stability to the state, drive development, and will be a representative who can help solve the people's issues.

"But, if you call for votes because the other candidate’s party 'threatens Islam', please don’t (do that). 

"Sweeping statements like that are seeds of hatred. We must avoid them," he stressed. 

Ayer Kuning voters are set to cast their ballots on April 26 to choose between Muhaimin, BN candidate Yusri Bakir, and PSM hopeful Bawani KS.

Early voting was conducted today.

Haj vs ballot: Reject Hadi's 'distorted' fatwa - Amanah Youth tells Muslims

'Illegal pig farms real issue, not haj': PAS Youth defends Hadi

Bersih slams govt leaders for 'vote-linked' promises, 'duit raya'

Ayer Kuning polls: EC targets over 70pct turnout on April 26

PSM 'thanks' Akmal for giving it a boost

'Disruptor' PSM wrestles for votes while stuck between titans

Don't exploit Quranic verses, hadiths for political gain - Na'im

No need to fear me unless you touch on 3R, Akmal tells Ayer Kuning voters