Kota Kinabalu: Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail assured that all 12,279 Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) officers and personnel eligible to vote in the 17th Sabah state election are free to choose any candidate or party without pressure or directive.
He said the police leadership issued no instructions influencing voting preferences, stressing that every member of the force maintains full democratic freedom.
“There are no orders from me or any superior. It is entirely up to our officers and personnel. I trust they are wise enough to exercise their voting rights responsibly,” he said after officiating the Special IGP Engagement Programme with PDRM personnel at Dewan Sri Tawau, Tuesday.
Khalid said the only guidance given to the force relates to general considerations such as political stability and economic interests, leaving the final choice in the hands of each voter.
He said around 9,200 PDRM personnel, supported by contingents from Peninsular Malaysia, are carrying out security duties statewide and the situation remains stable.
On the 15 identified hotspot constituencies, Khalid said close monitoring is being conducted based on past election patterns. However, all locations remain calm with no significant disturbances reported.
He added Sabahans need not worry about so-called “phantom voters,” saying the Election Commission has been managing the process well and police have received no reports relating to such claims.
