HOW UNPROFESSIONAL: Now EC uses May 13 to warn against GE13 celebrations

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 29, 2013): As Malaysians psych up for a contest between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in the 13th general election, Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof has reminded all parties concerned to accept and respect whatever polls outcome, and warned them against going into the streets to celebrate or protest the results.

This is to avoid a repeat of the May 13 tragedy, he said.

He said the commission has learnt from the May 13 incident and wants supporters of political parties barred from holding processions after the results of the election are announced, Oriental Daily News reported today.

"When one side takes to the streets, the opposing side will also want to do so.

"You can gather 500,000 people, the opposing party likewise can summon equal number of supporters.

"By then, a curfew will have to be imposed, but before this there will be many casualties," he warned.

In an interview with Oriental Daily, Abdul Aziz used the May 13 incident to caution all stakeholders to respect the election regulations to ensure the smooth conduct of GE13.

He said whichever front emerges victorious, of utmost importance is the preservation of peace and stability.

Abdul Aziz also reminded parties against playing up sensitive religious and racial issues.

He said both the victor and the vanquished should accept the election results rationally. The loser should not put any blame on the commission, he added.

"The fact that the Opposition won in five states in 2008 showed that EC is independent. To blame the EC for losing in the election is not to accept one's own weaknesses."

In the third general election in 1969, the opposition overtook the Alliance Party (now BN) for the first time after winning 50.9% of the votes cast.

On May 11, the opposition held a procession in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate its victory, drawing the ire of some Umno members who also took to the streets.

The two groups clashed on May 13, sparking riots that resulted in bloodshed and forcing the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to declare a state of emergency two days later.

-thesundaily