IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain
KUALA LUMPUR: Candidates and their supporters should refrain from using sensitive issues or hate speech relating to race, religion and royalty (3R) in their campaigning, says Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
The Inspector-General of Police said stern action would be taken against anyone who touches on such issues during the campaign period for the six state polls.
“For the past two days, we have not received any police report on hate speech relating to the 3Rs during ceramah or other activities.
“We hope this situation will continue until polling,” he said when contacted yesterday.
He said the 3R task force and Ops Cantas teams would be monitoring campaign activities, including ceramah.
“If any offence relating to the 3Rs is committed, the task force will complete the probe within seven days after investigation papers (IPs) have been opened.
“The IPs will then be referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers for further action.
“We will not tolerate anyone touching on sensitive issues that could disrupt public order and safety,” he added.
The IGP said he hopes all parties involved in the elections would show some political maturity, as they did during nomination day.
“We hope the remaining days of campaigning will proceed smoothly without any trouble,” he said.
The police have deployed 82 of the CID’s Ops Cantas teams consisting of 1,459 police officers and personnel to take action against any criminal acts during the elections.
Ops Cantas teams have been deployed since the middle of May in Kelantan and since June 29 in the other five states.
In Selangor, state police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said 130 campaign events and 51 ceramah with permits took place on Sunday.
“All candidates and their supporters must adhere to the rules and regulations set by the police and Election Commission during the campaign period,” he said.
In Penang, police spokesman Senior Asst Comm W. Pusphanathan said state police had not received any reports of politicians touching on 3R subjects.
“We remind parties and individuals, especially party supporters, to not play on 3R sentiments and cause any provocation, disturbance or fight that could bring disharmony and affect the well-being of people in this state.
“We will take strict action against any political party or individual found committing this offence, regardless of their status,” he said.
In Alor Setar, Senior Asst Commissioner Alzafny Ahmad said there have been no reports so far on hate speech.
Neither were there any reports on acts of vandalism, he added.
However, SAC Alzafny advised the public, especially party supporters, not to cause any provocation, be a nuisance or start fights that could jeopardise the safety of others.
He said police would not hesitate to take legal action against anyone, regardless of party, who tries to disturb the harmony and peace of the country.
Last week, Kedah police chief Comm Datuk Fisol Salleh said a total of 4,794 police personnel will be deployed during the state election in Kedah.
He said the officers and personnel will be tasked with ensuring security and public order on nomination day, during the campaign period, and on polling day.
