More ceramah disruptions likely, says Hisham

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has expressed concern that disruptions at political ceramah events may get worse as the general election draws closer.

He noted that there was not enough police on the ground but said the government will pool together resources from different agencies to ensure a safe general election.

"I see it getting worse and the way to deal with it (is for) all the relevant parties (to work together).

"I know the police has made plans to ensure the process of the general election goes through safely but the police on the ground is never enough," said Hishammuddin after attending a BN Youth rally in Gombak, Selangor today.

Therefore, volunteer corps such as Rela and Malaysian Civil Defence Deparment (JPAM) would be roped in to help with the situation, he said.

"What they are doing now is to coordinate, so it (general election) will go through safely and the people can have their voices heard without trouble," he said.

Furthermore, he said the contesting parties must also ensure their followers are disciplined.

He also warned the opposition against creating provocation such as insulting the police who would in fact be responsible for their safety.

"If they (opposition) wants democracy and freedom then why disrupt the process by insulting the police and calling them names.

"Maybe it is to create anger or to provoke a reaction," he said.

Last night, a group of motorcyclists had disrupted a PKR event in Simpang Renggam Johor while another group had attempted to attack PKR's campaign bus in Kota Kinabalu today, resulting in several arrests.

'Chaos not our way'

Earlier, Hishammuddin received a rousing welcome from 2,000-strong BN Youth supporters including several hundred bikers as he launched the Gombak BN Youth general election machinery.

During his speech, Hishammuddin had flayed PKR Batu MP Tian Chua for his remarks that the Lahad Datu conflict was a charade to which a small group of youths from the crowd yelled: "Off with his head" (Potong kepala dia).

Sensing this, Hishammuddin told the crowd to calm down, instead asking that party workers to channel their high spirits to preparing for the general election that may be called at any time now.

"If we want to create chaos, if we want to demonstrate, we could have long shaken the Selangor government.

"If we want to create lies or play on racial issues, we could have easily done it, but that is not our way," he said.

Throughout the speech, the spirited youths chanted "Gempur Gombak" which parliamentary seat is presently held by PKR deputy president Azmin Ali.

At the press conference later, Hishammuddin said the government is aware that PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim had met Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari prior to the Sulu attack on Lahad Datu but was still verifying the details.

"Whatever information we receive, we will convey it to the public on who actually tried to create chaos out of the situation," he said.

He said a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) would serve as a platform to discover the truth.

"It will involve not only certain individuals but also those overseas who may be able to shed light on the real situation," he said.

However, he said the decision whether there woul be a RCI or white paper would be determined by the government's top leadership.