IGP: MORE THAN 1,000 POTENTIAL POLLS’ ‘TROUBLEMAKERS’ IDENTIFIED
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have identified more than 1,100 people whom they believe have the “potential” to cause problems, or “surprise last-minute attacks” (SLMA), during the 14th General Election (GE14).
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the list was drawn up based on an analysis of the individuals’ involvement in “attacks”, especially on social media.
He said most of them provoked negative sentiments by spreading fake news.
“Among the fake news they spread are that there are phantom voters or that there will be outside elements involved (in the election), including Islamic State attacks,” he said after opening a meeting of senior police officers at the Police College in Cheras.
He said police did not rule out the possibility that the list could grow in the near future.
“If there is a need, if there are more people who attract our attention, then we will add to the list.
“This is not a threat, but a normal thing we do to ensure that the general election proceeds without incident.”
He said the list included those who caused trouble in the past.
“If there is a need to act, we will deploy teams from the Criminal Investigation Department to take immediate action.
“If there is trouble and those responsible carry on causing trouble (after police have warned them), we have the power to take firm action.”
He said police identified 116 hotspots and possible flashpoints in the peninsula, and 33 in Sabah and Sarawak.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the armed forces were working with the police to monitor possible troublemakers.
“Armed forces chief (General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor) is always working with the IGP to monitor the situation.
“We are also getting help from foreign security agencies, as certain quarters may try to take advantage of the situation.
“Even though everything is under control, we should not let our guard down,” he said after the Jualan Sentuhan Rakyat programme at the Defence Ministry here.
He said should any member of the armed forces try to create chaos, action would also be taken under armed forces rules.
“No one will be spared if he breaks the law.”