Cops on lookout for attempts to create chaos at GE13

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the security forces were in the midst of monitoring and making thorough preparation to face possible threats from certain quarters who were keen on creating chaos during the 13th general election. 

While stressing that the government would take stern action against those quarters, he said he had also discussed with inspector-general of police Ismail Omar about the matter. 

"In fact, all state police chiefs have been called to ensure that (should the chaos happen) it will be handled properly. 

"What's important is for us to make thorough preparation to ensure the general election will run smoothly," he told reporters at Kota Kinabalu International Airport before leaving for a two-day visit to east coast areas of Sabah, including Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu and Sandakan. 

Hishammuddin was commenting on the statement made by the Malaysian Seni Silat Gayong Organisation president Adiwijaya Abdullah in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. 

Adiwijaya was reported as saying that the opposition was found to have tried to create chaos during the 13th general election with the distribution of pamphlets containing guidelines on how to create tension and commotion at polling centres in 10 targeted constituencies. 

According to the pamphlets, the constituencies are Gombak, Lembah Pantai, Permatang Pauh, Setiawangsa, Wangsa Maju, Bagan Serai, Bukit Katil, Muar, Pandan and Sabak Bernam. 

Special twitter account to ridicule EC

Adiwijaya was also reported as saying that the pamphlets also proposed for a special Twitter account be created to ridicule the Election Commission. 

Hishammuddin said the monitoring activities would not only be focused on the 10 parliamentary constituencies, but also across the country. 

"We want to ensure that a fair and independent election will persist in the country. We don't want any quarters to create chaos. We have to defend our democracy system," he said. 

When asked whether the 13th general election could be held without much problems, especially after the armed intrusion tragedy in Lahad Datu, the minister said the tragedy would not affect the general election. 

"Yes, there are some unscrupulous people who are trying to spread rumours, which had caused significant public concern in Sabah, but the situation is getting better now," he said. 

Hishammuddin said the overall situation in Sabah was also calm, safe and under control. 

- Bernama