KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 – The public should go out and vote without fear this Sunday as the security forces would take all necessary measures to ensure their safety, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said today.
He gave the assurance that the security forces would ensure smooth polling and no provocation by any quarters.
“Stern action will be taken against anyone trying to create trouble on polling day, regardless of their gender, age and status,” Ismail said in a special interview with the media on the 13th general election, at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman, here, today.
“We know there are some hot areas where the tussles are very intense among the contesting parties, but the police will ensure that the situation is under control.”
In this regard, he urged all quarters including members of the public, party supporters and the contesting candidates to show responsibility and unity to ensure a smooth general election without any undesirable incident.
“Don’t easily fall for baseless and nonsensical rumours,” he said, adding that everyone should follow the rules set to ensure calm.
Ismail also advised the people to accept with an open heart, whatever the results of the GE13 announced by the Election Commission in order to preserve peace in the country.
“I hope all quarters will accept the reality and not take the law into their own hands if they are dissatisfied with the results.
“If they are not satisfied with the GE13 results, they can make a petition in court, and not get involved in any street demonstration (over the GE13 outcome),” he said.
Ismail said anyone involved in street demonstrations following the announcement of the GE13 results would be investigated under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
He also warned the public not be masquerade as independent observers at the polling centres.
“Police will not hesitate to act against such imposters,” he said, adding that the ruse could cause confusion to the voters and even to the Election Commission staff on duty.
BERNAMA
