[VIDEO] Norhizam pleads for votes on election day in Melaka

MELAKA – Pengkalan Batu incumbent Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee may have violated the Election Offences Act 1954 after he pleaded with constituents to vote for him on polling day today. 

Speaking to the press in front of his polling centre at Sekolah Rendah Agama (Jaim) Taman Datuk Tamby Chik Karim, the former DAP man on multiple occasions urged people of Pengkalan Batu to cast their ballots for him, promising them good service in return. 

“While four other candidates in Pengkalan Batu are busy sowing promises, I have sowed my service,” he said today. 

“God willing, today the people will decide. I plead once again for my constituents, if you want to see me in the state assembly, vote for me. 

“I plead to you to give me the space and opportunity to continue carrying the voices of the people of Melaka. I promise to be a (good) representative for Pengkalan Batu.” 

Clad in a black polka dot shirt, Norhizam added that if he wins the state election today, he will go one up in the coming general election by contesting in a parliamentary seat. 

“That’s my promise. I want to face R.S.N. Rayer (in Parliament) from Jelutong,” he said. 

An aide to Norhizam said he intends to contest in the Hang Tuah Jaya seat, which is currently held by PKR’s Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, and is using the Pengkalan Batu state seat to “test the water”.  

When contacted, a spokesman for the Election Commission confirmed that Norhizam’s action is in violation of the Election Offences Act, and said the matter will be investigated once a report has been lodged. 

A standard operating procedure issued by the electoral body earlier this month also specifically states that any campaigning during polling day is prohibited. 

Norhizam faces Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Kalsom Nordin, Perikatan Nasional’s Mohd Azrudin Md Idris, Pakatan Harapan’s Muhamad Danish Zainudin and Putra’s Mohd Aluwi Sari. – The Vibes, November 20, 2021