IGP must act to stop the pre-election violence

Dr Chris Anthony The recent spate of violence against the nationwide PKR bus-tour election campaign is a cause of serious concern for all Malaysians regardless of their political affiliation. This is not the first of such violent acts against the opposition. Its leaders, notably Anwar Ibrahim, have been harassed many times in the past. Even non-political leaders like Bersih co-chairman, Ambiga Sreenevasan, had been harassed after the recent Bersih 2.0 rally. Despite numerous police reports, the police have yet to act against those who resort to violence to disrupt the opposition ceramahs. It is ironical that the police instead of acting against provocateurs, have instead chosen to act against those who are victims of such rude and violent provocations. The latest act of the police to arrest one of Anwar's bodyguards bears testimony to this lop-sided attitude of the police. Polls violence is a concern for all citizens who want a peaceful election to choose the government of their choice. The police must show its neutrality to protect all parties from gangsters and thugs without fear or favour. Voting or not voting out of fear will tantamount to making a mockery of the democratic process which we claim to have been practicing for over half a century. It's time for the IGP to issue the strongest warning to those who flout the laws of the country. He must not hesitate to act promptly against those who defy his warnings. He has the power to stop this thug rule that is becoming a threat to the peace, harmony and security of the nation. But will he rise up to do his duty which he pledged to the nation and the people? The vast majority of Malaysians doubt his will to do so as they are by now convinced that his police force is for the BN rather than the rakyat. It is time for him to prove them wrong once and for all. He must stop the pre-election violence before it gets out of hand. Source: Malaysiakini Jarumemas: The people also must stay away from all violence and respect the laws.