NIBONG TEBAL: Police have warned political parties not to harp on 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues throughout the campaign period for the Sungai Bakap by-election.
Penang police chief Comm Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said candidates from the contesting parties have been briefed on the dos and don’ts during the campaign period by the police.
“Please avoid using 3R issues to gain support,” he said during a press conference at the south Seberang Perai district headquarters here yesterday.
Comm Hamzah said a special police team will be deployed to monitor 3R issues during campaigning and ceramah for the by-election.
“Police will not hesitate to take stern action against candidates touching on such issues on their campaign trail,” he said.
Comm Hamzah also advised parties to apply for permits early for their campaigning activities.
“This will allow police to make necessary preparations to control and oversee any ceramah or assembly, which will ensure safety and smooth running of the activities.”
Comm Hamzah said that so far, one permit application for a ceramah has been received.
He added that 600 police officers and personnel will be on standby during the by-election period.
“Police presence will be increased to 800 on polling day,” Comm Hamzah said.
The Sungai Bakap by-election was called following the death of its incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff of PAS on May 24.
Nomination day is today, with polling to be held on July 6.
