Engage all parties positively during GE14, DPM tells police

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has instructed the police not to use force but to engage all individuals from political parties peacefully during the upcoming 14th General Elections (GE 14).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who was speaking to the police force at a meet-and-greet event also said in his speech that water cannons or tear gas should not be used during the elections unless in an absolute threatening situation.
"My instructions to the top brass of the police is that no force or provocation is to be used during the general elections, instead we have to engage with all political parties and leave no stone unturned in trying to maintain peace in these upcoming elections," he said today.
He also warned all political parties against causing provocation during the campaign period.
"I know parties will do surprise with last-minute attacks, we know who is going to do it. We know the issues of last-minute bomb threats. This isn't a warning, actions will be taken if any one does surprise last-minute attacks during the GE," he added.
He cited that in the last elections, surprise last-minute attacks happened when rumours surfaced that 40,000 phantom voters from Bangladesh were brought in to spoil the opposition vote.
"This was not the case, there were no planes in the airport or any airbase in the country that brought them down. This was a surprise last-minute attack and it was believed by all," he added.
He urged the police to act swiftly against these troublemakers.
"The police must take swift action against these troublemakers within 24 hours," he said.
He urged everyone to cooperate and work with the police to ensure that this will be one of the safest general elections in the country.
"I know if we cooperate with all parties this will be the most peaceful election," he added.