“As far as I know, as of yesterday, there were 12 police reports but only on very minor issues such as campaigning without permit, using banners of a party which wasn’t contesting here.

“And there was one report with MACC apparently for some promises made during the campaign which I think is quite minor,” he told reporters after visiting the SK Tanjung Papat 1 voting centre today.

He said none of the reports lodged involved untoward incidents or serious breaches of the law.

Azhar also praised the campaigning process in Sandakan for the past two weeks, saying it was very disciplined.

“I note that in the campaign there were no hate speeches, no provocative materials and I am very pleased with the candidates and the political parties as well as the supporters here.

“They are much calmer and much more disciplined and I am very glad for that,” he said.

As of 10am, the turnout rate has reached 20 percent. Polling will end at 5pm.

The Sandakan by-election is a five-cornered fight with DAP’s candidate Vivian Wong, PBS’ candidate Linda Tsen and three independent candidates - Hamzah Abdullah, Sulaiman Abdul Samat and Chia Siew Yong.