IGP: Keep emotions in check during nomination

SHAH ALAM: The InspectorGeneral of Police has called for calm heads during nominations for GE14 today.

Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun urged those involved in the process to be disciplined and not be overly emotional.

He said sufficient preparation had been made by police to ensure safety around the country.

“This democratic process should run smoothly based on the maturity of our people. We have already been through 13 general elections before this.

“I call on all sides to be responsible during the nomination process. We will do all that we can to ensure the nomination, campaign period and polling run smoothly,” he said at a press conference in conjunction with the 211th Police Day Buddhist prayer service at the Samadhi Vihara temple.

Mohamad Fuzi said police would not compromise on security and sufficient personnel would be on duty during GE14.

At least 70% of the police force had been mobilised throughout the country, he said.

“In Selangor alone, we have mobilised about 15,000 policemen. Bukit Aman will also assist,” he added.

In Kota Baru, Kelantan police chief Datuk Hasanuddin Hassan said police would come down hard on those who provoked others or became a public nuisance during the nomination process.

He said all parties should cooper- ate with the authorities to avoid any untoward incidents.

“Do not try to cause any disruption. We will not hesitate to use our powers against those who try to undermine peace,” he said during a press conference at the police headquarters.

He said the police had investigated 18 cases relating to the election and charged one individual from Tanah Merah for criminal intimidation and mischief.

“The court has sentenced him to 13 months’ jail from the day he was arrested,” he said.

Hasanuddin said police would be keeping a close watch on a few hot seats which were won with slim majorities of fewer than 1,000 votes in GE13.

He also urged all parties to be mindful of the Anti-Fake News Act 2018 and to be careful when making statements during ceramah.

“We hope they will be careful and avoid making seditious remarks, and also not repeat or bring up fake news as they can be charged in court,” he said.

Hasanuddin pointed out that the police are investigating a case involving fake news.

He urged those planning ceramah to apply for a police permit at the nearest police station.

“We hope they can do it 24 hours before the event as the police will need to check the location,” he said.

Hasanuddin said the authorities could stop any ceramah that did not have a permit.

“We hope organisers will find suitable areas that will not disrupt public disorder or obstruct traffic,” he said.