The Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for Tanjung Surat, Faizul Abdul Ghani, has strongly condemned what he described as the first alleged sabotage incident in the Johor election campaign after a party flag was set on fire in Felda Gugusan Adela.
Faizul said the act, which he claimed was discovered at about 2am today by a member of the PH logistics team, should have no place in a mature democratic process.
He said the burnt flag was found along a road leading into the Felda settlement, prompting a police report and notification to the Election Commission (EC).
According to him, political differences must never be expressed through vandalism or provocation, stressing that such actions undermine democratic values and public trust in the electoral process.
He added that all parties should be allowed to campaign freely, but within the boundaries of law and responsibility.
Faizul also urged his supporters and campaign workers to remain calm and avoid any response that could breach legal or electoral rules.
He stressed that elections should be focused on ideas, policies and service records rather than destructive behaviour or sabotage.
Meanwhile, district police chief Superintendent Yusof Othman confirmed that a report was lodged at 9.50am, and the case is being investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire or explosive substance.
Authorities have reminded all political parties to comply with Election Commission regulations and ensure campaigns are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.
