KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) — Police are conducting Op Cantas Khas team to gather intelligence, monitor the situation and take necessary actions against any party out to create trouble during the 15th general election (GE15) period.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said the team will also watch out for the actions and activities of parties involved in gangsterism who try to take advantage of the situation during that period.
In addition, police will deploy officers in the Election Campaign Enforcement Teams (PP-KPR) to ensure all the parties carry out their campaign activities according to the guidelines set by the Election Commission (EC).
“The police, EC and other related agencies will also carry out constant monitoring to ensure the campaigning and voting processes are conducted according to the provisions of the law,” he said in a statement today.
He said a total of 80,000 officers and personnel nationwide have been deployed for GE15 duty to ensure safety and give confidence to the public to go out and vote.
Acryl Sani also advised political parties to campaign in a mature and ethical manner and not touch on sensitive issues like race and religion.
“Those directly involved in the election process, like the candidates and campaign managers, must shoulder the responsibility in handling and managing the sentiments of their respective supporters so that there will be no recurrence of the incident that occurred in Tenom, Sabah.
“That incident is an example of how a situation involving supporters who are not controlled can lead to trouble, which should not have happened as (it) is a threat to security and public safety,” he said.
He said they have also identified the offences most likely to occur during campaignings, such as tearing of posters, uttering seditious words, fighting and demonstrations as well as offences on the internet and allegations.
Acryl Sani said that besides action under the Penal Code, police will also use election laws and regulations.
“They include the Elections Act 1958, Election Offences Act 1954, Elections (Conduct of Elections) Regulations 1981 and Elections (Postal Voting) Regulations 2003.
“Police are always committed to ensuring the security situation is under control throughout the campaigning period, polling day and post-GE… we hope the democratic process this time will run smoothly and peacefully without any unwanted incidents,” he said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency