TAWAU: Policemen have complete freedom to vote as they choose in the 17th Sabah Election, says Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail (pic).
He said his previous statement on political and economic stability should not be misconstrued as instructions to support any particular side.
"Stability is important but the choice remains with them. They know how to exercise their rights – it is not a directive from me," he said after a special gathering with the police in Tawau on Tuesday (Nov 18).
The event brought together some 600 police personnel serving in the district.
He also said preparations and personnel deployment for the state polls were proceeding smoothly, adding that the recent nomination process at all 25 centres went smoothly.
A total of 9,200 police personnel have been deployed across Sabah, including reinforcements from the peninsula.
Khalid said police have identified 15 hotspots based on past elections but the overall situation remained stable.
"There are no major issues in east Sabah, including Tawau. CID, Narcotics and Special Branch operations are running well and potential troublemakers have been identified," he said.
He also denied claims of phantom voters.
"There is no information on phantom voters nor police reports lodged with such allegations.
"The EC has a strong system in place for managing the Sabah elections," he said, adding that he believed the state polls would proceed peacefully if all parties play their part.
