Clashes between rival supporters, two arrested
Skirmishes between PAS and Umno supporters have marred the voting process in Bagan Pinang resulting in a strong police presence in the state constitutency.
Skirmishes between PAS and Umno supporters have marred the voting process in Bagan Pinang resulting in a strong police presence in the state constitutency.
Just before noon, a commotion took place near the SK Teluk Kemang polling centre when a group of BN supporters threw water bottles across the road where the PAS supporters were. This resulted in skirmishes.
Police had to be called in and a youth, believed to be from Umno, was arrested. As the arrest was taking place, a PAS supporter walked over and assaulted the youth.
Police promptly apprehended the man. Stones were also hurled and in the melee, a police officer to was injured.
Malaysiakini has a video of the skirmishes which show how the incident happened following acts of provocation from both sides.
Six truck loads of Federal Reserve Unit personnel were deployed and placed in front of the supporters from both camps to prevent further clashes.
State police chief Osman Salleh confirmed supporters from both sides were been detained. However, he did not state how many were hauled in.
"More police personnel will be placed to ensure the safety of voters who have yet to cast their vote and ensure the smooth running of the by-election," said Osman.
Candidates upbeat
Election Commission chairperson, Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusoff, commenting on the scuffles, said supporters have not been following the commission's advice.
"There should not be canvassing of votes on polling day. Those involved in the skirmishes are outsiders who had come to support their party.
"If they had followed our advice, such skirmishes would not have taken place," said Abdul Aziz.
Meanwhile, BN candidate Isa Samad when met during his election rounds at SJK(T) Ladang Siliau and Ladang Bradwall said he was confident BN will retain the seat.
"God-willing, I'm confident of winning. I would also like to advise party supporters to behave themselves," he said.
PAS and Pakatan party supporters were seen chanting "rasuah" (corrupt) as Isa arrived and later when he left the polling centre.
However, Isa kept up a brave front and smiled while the chanting was going on.
The former Umno vice-president was suspended for three years in 2004 after being found guilty by the party's disciplinary committee of money politics.
PAS candidate Zulkefly Mohamad Omar has similarly expressed confidence of creating an upset win.
