IGP gives assurance security nationwide under control

KUALA LUMPUR: The police yesterday gave the assurance that security in the country is under control during the current period of transition of power at the federal and state levels in the wake of the general election.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the transition process must be expedited and should not be delayed to avoid unhealthy speculation.

At a press conference at Bukit Aman, he said the transition process would be implemented in accordance with the law and the Federal Constitution.

“Therefore, I urge the people to exercise patience and not make any speculation that can undermine public order during the transition process.

“From 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm today, I had discussions with the Chief Secretary to the Government and the Chief of Defence Forces for an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to convey several points related to the transfer of power of the government,” he said.

Mohamad Fuzi said the transition to the new government elected by the people should run smoothly and in an orderly manner.

Asked about a reported incident in Putrajaya, he said there were no serious incidents except for firecrackers set off between 2 am and 3 am yesterday.

“Some among a group of people who gathered in Putrajaya had brought firecrackers as if they were celebrating a festival.

“The Kuala Lumpur Police chief took action to disperse the crowd to avoid any untoward incident,” Mohamad Fuzi said.

He said the police were able to disperse the people peacefully.

On whether the police had received any report about mistakes committed during polling yesterday, the IGP said he had received such reports but not on a large scale.

“Indeed, there were reports (lodged on the matter) but I cannot divulge the details. There were claims by voters around the country that somebody else had voted in their names,” he said, adding that the police were investigating these cases under the Election Offences Act 1954.

Asked about a minor incident in Skudai, Johor on Wednesday, Mohamad Fuzi said the police detained four people and dispersed a crowd peacefully and in an orderly manner.

Asked about the preparations of the force to serve the new government, he stressed that the police had been professional in discharging their responsibilities, particularly on law enforcement.

“The police stand by the government of the day and will empower law enforcement as usual,” Mohamad Fuzi said. Bernama