#PrkBalingian: Enough manpower to ensure smooth by-election

 

 

MUKAH: The police have deployed enough manpower to ensure the Balingian by-election is carried out smoothly, said deputy police chief DCP Datu Law Hong Soon.

He said so far the campaign, which is on its 11th day, has been very smooth, peaceful and in orderly manner.

“We have enough manpower to prevent any untoward incidence. We hope that there won’t be any such incidence. At the same time, we are not taking things for granted.

We have our own contingency plans to face any eventualities. Our hope is that there will be no untoward incidence. At the same time, we are working closely with other agencies such as SPR (Election Commission),” Law told the media after officiating at the 207th National Police Day at Mukah police headquarters here yesterday.

Law added that the state police was celebrating its 207th National Police Day here in conjunction with the Balingian by-election. He added that both the Barisan Nasional (BN) and the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) have been very cooperative

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“Both sides have applied for the necessary permits for their campaigns. I hoped they will continue for a few more days left,” said Law.

He said so far the police here had issued 54 permits to the BN and four to the opposition.

When asked whether the police were ready to face the influx of both the BN and opposition leaders to Mukah, Law replied, “This is a democratic country. This is a by-election so they are welcome here. But they must observe the law and must work within the ambit of the law. No one is above the law. There is no issue for us. We are ready for any circumstances,” said Law.

On the complaints made by the opposition that the police were deploying too many men to monitor its campaigns and ceramah, Law said they (the opposition) should be appreciative with their presence as it would ensure public order.

“Our presence is to ensure public order. If you don’t do anything against the law, then why worry? We are just carrying out our duties. You should be worried if there is no police presence.

“For most people, they would be very appreciative if the police personnel are seen in their gatherings….So why is it that when we are around you are questioning us?” Law asked.

Meanwhile, Law said there were 133 early voters from the police personnel and their spouses who casted their votes here yesterday but one of them has retired.