ELECTION watchdog Bersih has called out Barisan Nasional’s Tanjung Keramat candidate, Jeffery Nor Mohamed, over allegations that he campaigned on polling day.
Acting executive director Asraf Sharafi Mohammad Azhar said the conduct violates Section 26 of the Election Offences Act 1954.
“It is an election offence under Section 26 of the Election Offences Act to campaign on polling day, including soliciting or persuading voters in any form.
“Polling day must remain free from campaign activities so that voters can make their decisions independently,” Asraf told The Vibes when contacted.
The alleged incident reportedly took place less than 100 metres from SMK Putatan, one of seven polling centres in Tanjung Keramat, where Jeffery and 26 of his family members voted early this morning.
According to several media reports, the Putatan Umno chief was seen greeting arriving voters and repeatedly urging them to vote for “Number 3,” his ballot position in the 11-cornered fight.
He also stopped to take photos with supporters, posing with the “Number 3” hand sign.
Speaking later to the media, Jeffery said he hoped for a smooth voting process, adding that the rain had ceased.
“We pray the weather holds. I urge everyone to come out and fulfil their duty as citizens of Sabah and Malaysia,” he said.
“The campaign went well… I didn’t see major issues, and I hope today continues positively.”
As Jeffery continued his walk, he came across a larger group of BN supporters near the school bus stop, cheering and waving at passing vehicles.
One supporter led the group—including Jeffery—in chanting BN’s rallying cry: “Radu tatap radu! Radu sampai menang!” (Fight and keep fighting until we win).
BN, through Umno, is seeking to reclaim the Tanjung Keramat seat from incumbent Shahelmey Yahya, who won the seat under BN in the previous election before defecting to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
Shahelmey was later appointed deputy chief minister under Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s administration.
Shahelmey, who is also the Putatan MP, has been suspended from Umno and linked to a Sabah mining corruption scandal.
He was initially expected to defend the seat under GRS but later announced support for his brother, Shah Alfie.
Reiterating Bersih’s stance, Asraf said, “polling day should be entirely free of campaign activity so voters can decide without influence.” – November 29, 2025
