No tear gas, water cannons in GE14, Zahid tells police
Michael Murty | March 20, 2018
The home minister tells police personnel on duty not to use violence on anyone and calls on members of political parties not to provoke the police.
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today assured that the police would not resort to violence while on duty during the 14th general election (GE14).He said he had informed Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun that they should not use violence.
“I ordered that all police personnel on duty must not use violence or provoke anyone while on duty during the election. They must engage politicians on both sides of the divide to ensure everything runs smoothly.
“The police must leave no stone unturned when it comes to peace and public safety. I also instructed the police to not shoot one tear gas canister or use the water cannon unless they are in a threatening situation,” he said after a meeting with police personnel here today.
Political parties in turn must not provoke the police, Zahid warned.
“I want to warn all political parties not to provoke the police and not to ever challenge the police. The police know which are flash spots to conduct their operations, so I urge people not to provoke the police.”
Zahid also called for total cooperation between political parties and the police.
“We are ready for any surprise last minute attacks during the campaign period. We know who is going to do it, we have already identified them.”
He promised police personnel that they would be paid 50% of their election duty allowance up front.
“I am changing the system. I have instructed that half the money be paid up front before they go on duty. The balance of the allowance is to be paid within 30 days after their duty is complete.
“I’m doing this because I care for all police officers and because I believe that work must be paid for on time, which is why I say charity begins at home.”
Zahid also said all police personnel who had been overdue for promotions would get these swiftly.
“They will be promoted based on their length of service and not one officer will be left out.”
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