New Straits Times

‘GE14 TROUBLEMAK­ERS, BEWARE’

Cops have identified potential individual­s who want to cause chaos, says DPM

- VEENA BABULAL AND TEOH PEI YING cnews@nstp.com.my Additional reporting by Mohd Anwar Patho Rahman and Mohd Azam Shah Yaacob

THOSE planning surprise last-minute attacks (SLMA) during the 14th General Election, be warned: police will take action against such quarters within 24 hours.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed this yesterday in a gathering with the police at the Royal Malaysia Police College in Cheras here.

“There will be people who may want to launch SLMA. We have identified individual­s who want to do so. We have also identified issues that would be used to launch last-minute attacks. This is not a threat, this is reality,” he said, while stressing that police would not compromise in taking action on the matter.

Zahid said in GE13 there were rumours that 40,000 Bangladesh­is had been flown in so that they could cast votes for BN.

“What is clear is that not even one phantom voter was around. Instead, the issue was a form of SLMA which almost everyone believed,” he added.

Zahid ordered the inspectorg­eneral of police and the Criminal Investigat­ion Department director to take action within 24 hours against such individual­s.

“We should not wait until there are people taking such actions before we make a move,” he said.

Zahid, who is home minister, also warned everyone not to provoke the police.

“We have a list of names and we know of hotspots that need to be given attention. We also know of flashpoint­s where such incidents may take place.

“Don’t attempt to challenge the police. We need everyone to cooperate with police.”

Zahid instructed police to abstain from using force, unless necessary, while on duty during the election.

“Leave no stone unturned in order to maintain public order, but (it would be better if ) not even one tear gas canister or water cannon is used.”

 ?? SAMAD PIC BY SYARAFIQ ABD ?? Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at a session with police officers at the Royal Malaysia Police College in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. He is flanked by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun (left) and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.
SAMAD PIC BY SYARAFIQ ABD Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at a session with police officers at the Royal Malaysia Police College in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. He is flanked by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun (left) and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

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