The 16th Melaka State Election should not be used as a platform for provocation that could threaten public order, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
He stressed that the democratic process must be carried out in a peaceful and orderly manner, adding that although the public is free to support different political parties and express differing views, issues involving security, public welfare and state stability must always take precedence.
“Elections are a space for democracy, not a platform for provocation.
“We may belong to different parties and hold different views, but when it comes to security, the people’s well-being and state stability, our principles must remain firm. There is no political interest greater than peace in the state,” he said during the closing ceremony of the Latih Amal Ex-Undi PRN Ke-16 Negeri Melaka (Public Order Simulation Exercise) held at Dewan Datuk Kapt (B) Haji Ab Karim.
Also present were Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department deputy director (General Policing/Disaster Crisis) Deputy Commissioner Datuk M.V. Srikumar and Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar.
Ab Rauf said the simulation exercise went beyond a routine demonstration, reflecting the readiness of both the state government and security agencies, which he said would not compromise on any threats to public peace. He also extended his appreciation to the Melaka police contingent for organising what he described as the first large-scale exercise of its kind in the state.
Meanwhile, Dzulkhairi said all agencies involved had demonstrated full preparedness for the upcoming state election, which is expected to take place in September. He added that the two-day simulation showed the security apparatus was capable of handling a wide range of scenarios throughout the electoral process.
These included ballot box escort duties, riot control, provocation management, fire incidents and crowd dispersal operations. He said intelligence assessments currently indicate that Melaka remains peaceful and under control, although preparations continue as a precautionary measure.
Dzulkhairi added that any weaknesses identified during the exercise would be addressed, with standard operating procedures further refined to ensure maximum readiness ahead of polling day.
The large-scale simulation involved 395 officers and personnel from various agencies, including the National Security Council (MKN), Election Commission (EC), Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force (APM) and the Ministry of Health (MOH).
A total of 685,455 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at 264 polling centres across Melaka, involving 1,198 voting streams.
To ensure smooth operations, Melaka police will deploy more than 3,300 officers and personnel, supported by Public Order Riot Unit (PORU) and Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) teams, along with four operations rooms at state and district levels.
