Eye on possible GE14 troublemakers
DPM instructs police to take fast and prompt action if trouble occurs
KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman has identified individuals who could incite trouble at hotspots during the general election, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said among the potential troublemakers were those who may drop last-minute sensational “bombshells” in the guise of news.
“Back then (the 2013 election), there was a claim that 40,000 Bangladeshi nationals were flown into Malaysia to become phantom voters, but it was not true.
“Action will be taken against those who drop similar bombshells.
“It is not a warning but a guarantee,” he said in his address to Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) personnel during his working visit to the Police Academy here yesterday.
Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, directed police to take fast and decisive action against such troublemakers.
“Action must be taken within 24 hours. I have instructed the Inspector-General of Police, deputy IGP, Special Branch director and CID director to take prompt and necessary action if trouble occurs,” he said.
He also reminded police to execute their duties without fear or favour and to be fair to everyone.
“I have ordered all police person- nel not to resort to force, including using tear gas or water cannon, unless it is absolutely necessary.
“They must make every effort to ensure the safety and security of the people,” he aded.
At the same time, he called on members of political parties not to challenge the police.
Dr Ahmad Zahid also announced that some 50% of advance allowance for police personnel involved in election duty would be paid before their deployment and the remainder after it ended.
“I realise that PDRM is a closed service department, where the chance of getting transferred is almost non-existent, except for a select few who are seconded.
“Be that as it may, I hope the chance to be promoted and to receive a better service scheme and allowance are granted to police per- sonnel,” he said.
He added that the Home Ministry secretary-general had been instructed to meet with the Public Service Department director-general on the matter.
Dr Ahmad Zahid also expressed his satisfaction with police preparation for the elections, which he said was at 100%.
He hoped the general election would be the safest and calmest one in history, adding: “It is possible if everyone does his or her part.”
In two instances during his address, he reminded all police personnel to heed his words, especially if this was their last meeting before the election.
Among those in attendance were Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun, deputy IGP Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed and Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim.