Sungai Limau: Assault on Wanita UMNO rep regretted - Mukhriz

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir regrets that an Umno Wanita member was allegedly assaulted during polling for the Sungai Limau state seat by-election.

"The effect of the alleged provocation whether by an outsider or people in the constituency is the same as it impacts negatively on Barisan Nasional voters.

"We won't respond in kind, no need to react. This stand needs great patience. PAS had loudly announced its peaceful political campaign and we had hoped it could be interpreted accordingly but the reverse occurred.

"We were not prejudiced, hoping the by-election will take place in a prudent and courteous atmosphere," he said at Pekan Simpang Tiga, Sungai Limau here today.

Seputeh Wanita Umno Division chief Datuk Azizah Abdul Samad today lodged a report at the Yan district police headquarters over the punching of a Batu Umno Division Wanita committee member Norsidah Abu Bakar allegedly by a PAS Youth member at Sekolah Ulu Sedaka.

Meanwhile, Mukhriz said PAS was still using intimidations to deter voters from coming out to vote.

"The situation became uncontrollable. Four, five incidents which took place could have been avoided but they still took place to invoke fear on the voters," he said.

He said another tactic used by PAS supporters was to go out in a big group and park their vehicles by the roadsides so that the place became congested to make it difficult for voters.

Mukhriz hoped police would taken immediate action to overcome traffic problems and prevent congestion.

Meanwhile, he told reporters at SK Bukit Besar near here today that there should not be any provocation in the by-election.

He urged voters to come out early to perform their duties.

Mukhriz had arrived at the voters checking centre near SK Bukit Besar at 10.50am.

He then stopped by at a food stall near Bukit Besar which was crowded with supporters of PAS. His presence was well received by them.

The Sungai Limau state seat by-election today saw a straight fight between Barisan Nasional candidate Dr Ahmad Sohaimi Lazim and Mohd Azam Abd Samat of PAS.