State polls: IGP reports smooth Nomination Day

KUALA LUMPUR: The nomination process for the state elections ran smoothly, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.

He said a total of 17,176 police officers and personnel were deployed on Nomination Day, adding that no unwanted incidents occurred.

“We salute the political maturity of the candidates and their supporters and we hope this will persist during the campaign period,” he said in a press conference at Bukit Aman on Saturday (July 29).

The IGP said the police have also deployed 80 Ops Cantas teams consisting of more than a thousand officers and personnel to take action on any criminal act.

“For Kelantan, the Ops Cantas teams were deployed in mid-May and on June 29 for the other five states,” said Razarudin, adding that over 400 people have been detained.

“The Ops Cantas teams will also monitor activities during the campaign period, such as ceramah (political talks),” he said.

The country’s top cop advised candidates to apply for a police permit early for campaign activities such as ceramah and walkabouts.

“Applying for the permits is important to avoid any clash or overlap between rival parties and candidates,” said Razarudin.

“I told the respective state police chiefs to deal with applications for permits up to 24 hours before any event but it is better to apply early,” he added.

Razarudin said if there is any overlap between rival candidates, the application that came in late will be rejected.

He reminded all involved in campaigning to avoid touching on sensitive issues, especially issues relating to royalty, religion and race (3R).

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“Touching on such subjects will only lead to trouble. We will monitor the situation and action will be taken against those who touched on such issues,” he said.

Razarudin said the 3R task force will complete investigations on such offences within seven days after the investigation paper (IP) is opened.

“It is an ideal duration as we don’t want such matters to drag on. Once completed, we will refer the IP to the Attorney-General’s Chambers,” he said.

He also reminded all to not cause any provocation or trouble during the elections.

“Sufficient police personnel and officers will be deployed during the campaign and post-election periods. We will take necessary action to ensure the safety of all involved in the elections,” he said.