The top cop also assured voters that it will be a smooth polling day in the Bukit Gelugor by-election.
GEORGE TOWN: Inspector General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar today urged certain people to learn to control their tongue to avert ugly and chaotic incidents such as the one that marred the Penang State Assembly on Wednesday.
In what seems to be a swipe at DAP’s Seri Delima assemblyman RSN Rayer, Khalid said certain statements can spark outrage and stir public sentiments if the speakers were not careful.
He advised one to be cautious when speaking to ensure that it would not threaten public safety.
“With regards to the incident, I’d just like to advise all quarters to think twice before saying anything,” Khalid told newsmen after a meeting with his officers at Penang police headquarters here today.
On Wednesday, a group of demonstrators from state Umno Youth and NGOs stormed into the assembly meeting hall looking for Rayer, who had condemned Umno as “celaka” during an assembly session a day earlier.
Khalid said that Penang police chief Senior Deputy Commissioner Abdul Rahim Hanafi had held discussions with all quarters to control the situation.
Asked why police did not move in immediately on to the protesters on Wednesday, Khalid said it was not as easy as thought.
He said police had to strategise before acting in such situations as anything could happen in the heat of the moment.
He pointed out that police had already arrested 12 people to assist in the investigation.
He brushed aside criticism that the detained suspects were being investigated for a ‘soft case’ under the Penal Code despite the severity of the incident.
He insisted that the police viewed the encroachment as a serious offence and was investigating the case under three sections of the Penal Code.
“Don’t think we did not take it seriously.
“What’s your expectation?
“You want to charge them for what, arrest them for what?” asked Khalid.
He ensured that police would take appropriate action on those who broke the law, adding that they would also discuss it with the Attorney General’s Chambers.
PAS wants everybody to resign
He also dismissed a call by PAS deputy president and Penang commissioner Mohamad Sabu on the state police chief Abdul Rahim to resign for his failure to control the demonstration.
“Who has he not asked to resign? He has asked everyone to resign,” said the IGP.
Although he did not rule out the possibility of Wednesday’s incident having a spillover effect on Sunday’s polling day for the Bukit Gelugor by-election, Khalid however assured that the police would be on their toes to ensure a smooth balloting process.
“There is nothing to worry about this Sunday.
“We will make our presence is felt to ensure no untoward incidents and maintain public safety and order.
“We are ready to ensure a smooth polling day.
“I have been told that there is enough manpower in Penang and Penang police do not need backup.
“We also take into account the cost factor,” Khalid told newsmen.
He revealed that police had so far received 15 reports and opened four investigation papers, albeit minor incidents pertaining to the by-election.
DAP’s Ramkarpal Singh Deo, 38, Parti Cinta Malaysia vice-president Huan Cheng Guan, 53, and independents Nabi Bux Mohamed Nabi AbdSathar, 63, and lawyer Abu Backer Sidek Mohamad Zan, 46 are entangled in a four-cornered fight in the by-election.
Bukit Gelugor federal seat fell vacant when incumbent MP Karpal Singh was killed in a fatal highway accident near Kampar, Perak on April 17.
According to the Election Commission’s data, Bukit Gelugor has 82,431 voters comprising 61,267 or 74.33% Chinese, 11,913 or 14.46% Malays, 8,848 or 10.73% Indians and 403 or 0.49% others.
The late Karpal polled 55,839 votes to score a massive majority victory of 41,778 votes against BN candidate Teh Beng Yeam, who garnered 14,061 votes in the 2013 General Election.
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