Police to summon Sanusi over ballot paper display - IGP

KUALA LUMPUR - The police are set to summon Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for displaying a ballot paper to media representatives during the recent state election polling process.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed that the investigation into the incident is being conducted under the Election Offences Act 1954.

"The investigation into the incident will be conducted under Section 5 (1) and Section 26 (1) (g) of the Election Offences Act 1954.

"The police should be allowed to conduct the investigation, and Sanusi will be summoned to provide his statement in the near future," he told reporters during a press conference at Bukit Aman police headquarters here today.

Razarudin added that a comprehensive investigation report will be submitted to the Attorney General for further action.

He stressed that the police will ensure a fair and impartial investigation, not seeking to victimize any individual during the process:

"The police will follow proper procedures in the investigation, and any individuals found to have committed offenses will be thoroughly scrutinized.

"Our duty is to conduct an unbiased and objective investigation," he added

On Saturday, media outlets reported that Sanusi allegedly violated the Election Offences Act 1954 by intentionally displaying a ballot paper to the media during the state election polling process.

The incident drew criticism on social media, with images of Sanusi displaying the ballot paper being widely shared.

In response, Sanusi explained that he did not intend to display his ballot paper deliberately.

He clarified that the exposure occurred inadvertently while accommodating a media request to capture his photograph.