KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the terrorist intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah, the police are committed and assure that the 13th general election (GE-13) will be smooth.
Bukit Aman CID director Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin said the election process could not be disrupted although some police personnel are deployed in Operation Daulat in Sabah.
“We are facing two major issues (general election and Operation Daulat) which can impact our duties. Police can handle both equally well,” he said commenting on the dissolution of Parliament announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday to pave the way for GE-13.
Mohd Bakri said allegation sthat the election process would be affected due to inadequate policemen to monitor and control was untrue as they were prepared for any eventuality.
“The presence of our personnel in Lahad Datu will not affect the police preparation for the election. We have certain elements in relation to security to ensure that the election runs smoothly.
He said that the police also have a contigency plan in addressing unexpected problems and challenges.
Deputy director of Internal Security and Public Order Department, Datuk Muhammad Fuad Abu Zarim had said adequate poliemen would be on duty during general election, especially in areas considered as ‘hotspots.’
Some 112,000 police personnel will be on duty after the dissolution of Parliament until after the election is over to ensure that the situation is really safe.
Muhammad Fuad said police also assured that the polling process would be smooth and voters should not feel afraid to come out to cast their ballots. — Bernama