Speaking during a press conference in Tapah, Saifuddin said the seven reports include misuse of images and removal of flags or banners, which he described as acts of sabotage.

“What is the underlying message behind this? If we compare this to previous election campaigns, whether general elections or by-elections, seven (police reports) is relatively low.”

A police report was lodged against Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek for allegedly violating regulations when applying for religious teaching accreditation in Perak. The police have cleared Muhaimin.

Saifuddin said applicants were required to declare whether they were involved in politics before applying for religious teaching credentials.

Saturday’s Ayer Kuning by-election will see a three-cornered contest between Muhaimin, Barisan Nasional’s Yusri Bakir and Parti Sosialis Malaysia’s KS Bawani.

The by-election was called following the death of incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin on Feb 22.