PKR cancels e-voting in Keningau, as Azmin takes lead in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: PKR has canceled polling held at one of the 12 divisions in Sabah that went to the polls today, following a commotion between supporters of Mohamed Azmin Ali and Rafizi Ramli who are locked in an intense battle for the deputy president's post.

Sabah PKR vice-chairman Kenny Chua told FMT that polling in Keningau was canceled, but did not give a reason for the decision.

It is understood that the e-voting process in Keningau, seen as a strong member of the 7,000-member group, was experienced in internet connectivity problems.

Earlier today, Rafizi was escorted out of the polling center after he was involved in an argument with several men. Police were forced to intervene after some of the men and women opened a window to a wooden block where polling was held.

FMT has also learned that the division has gone offline, with the results to be known tomorrow.

"It would be a bit more time to count the votes," said source.

The economic affairs minister got 5,115 votes against Rafizi's 4,773, a difference of 342 votes. Azmin, meanwhile, has taken the lead in the other 11 divisions, according to unofficial results

It is understood that Azmin won in Libaran, Sandakan, Kalabakan and Tawau in the east coast, and Sepanggar and Beaufort in the west coast.

Rafizi won in Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Sipitang and Kota Marudu in the west coast, and Batu Sapi in the east coast.

Sabah PKR has 25 divisions. Thirteen other divisions, where observers say Rafizi stands a good chance of winning, will go to the polls tomorrow.

Sabah, with more than 143,000 members eligible to vote, could decide the winner of the battle for the PKR number two post, where both Azmin and Rafizi are now in a neck-and-neck race.