'Radu tatap radu!': BN's Jeffery called out for polling day campaigning

SABAH POLLS | Electoral watchdog Bersih has called out BN’s Tanjung Keramat candidate Jeffery Nor Mohamed over alleged campaigning on polling day today.

Contacted for comments, Bersih acting executive director Asraf Sharafi Azhar said such acts go against Section 26 of the Election Offences Act 1954.

“It is an election offence under Section 26 of the Election Offences Act 1954 to campaign on polling day.

“This includes appealing for or soliciting votes in any manner,” he told Malaysiakini.

The alleged offence occurred less than 100m from SMK Putatan, one of seven polling centres in the Tanjung Keramat constituency, where Jeffery and 26 other family members earlier voted.

Upon walking out of the school, the Putatan Umno chief greeted incoming voters and repeatedly reminded them to vote for “Number Three”, which is his candidate number in an 11-cornered contest.

He also stopped to pose for photographs with supporters while signalling “three” with his fingers.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Jeffery said, “We hope voting goes smoothly today. The rain has stopped.”

“We pray that the rain will continue to stop, and I urge all to come out to exercise their duties as a Sabahan and a Malaysian.

“I see campaigns have gone smoothly […] I don’t see many issues, and I hope today will continue to go well,” he added.

As Jeffery continued walking, he encountered a larger group of BN supporters waiting near the school’s bus stop, as they waved and chanted to passing cars.

One of the supporters led the group and Jeffery to repeated cries of BN’s chant “Radu tatap radu! Radu sampai menang!” (Fight, no matter what! Fight until we win!)

Commenting further, Asraf said, “Polling day is supposed to be free from any campaigning elements so that voters can make their decisions freely.”

Fight to reclaim seat

BN, through Umno, is on a mission to reclaim the Tanjung Keramat seat from incumbent Shahelmey Yahya, who previously contested and won on a BN ticket but later defected to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

He was appointed deputy chief minister under caretaker chief minister Hajiji Noor’s administration.

Shahelmey, also the Putatan MP, has been suspended as an Umno member and was also implicated in the Sabah mining scandal.

He was initially rumoured to re-contest in Tanjung Keramat under a GRS ticket, but later pledged support for his brother, Shah Alfie.

As of 9am, the Election Commission announced that 176,756 voters or 10.14 percent of total registered voters, have come out to vote since polling started at 7.30am.

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