PENAMPANG: The scuffle at the PKR polls election centre in Keningau yesterday is believed to have been sparked by provocative statements made and frustration on the part of candidates’ supporters.
According to Keningau division chief candidate Johari Tahir, the incident began when deputy presidential candidate Rafizi Ramli arrived at the centre via a back door and began voicing disapproval over certain matters.
“I was told he approached the PKR Central Election Committee (JPP) and expressed dissatisfaction over some issues.
“Abusive words were uttered. It then escalated when (Rafizi’s) supporters turned aggressive by breaking the front entrance door and damaging the walls,” he said.
Johari said those involved in the commotion were not from Keningau but believed to have been brought in from the Pensiangan division
He said a police report on the incident has been lodged.
Despite the ruckus, Johari said the election process at the polling centre went smoothly.
It was reported yesterday that Rafizi had expressed his dissatisfaction with JPP’s decision to choose a polling centre in Keningau with a weak telephone reception and poor Internet connection.
Rafizi also claimed that he was blocked by the “bouncers” of another candidate from entering the polling centre’s hall.
A video clip of the incident has gone viral on the internet. The three-minute footage shows Rafizi being closely guarded as chaos erupted in the hall.
Several individuals believed to be Rafizi’s supporters are also seen attempting to enter the blocked hall by destroying the wire mesh fitted to the hall’s walls.
Police soon intervened and Rafizi was escorted out of the hall by his supporters.