No More Warnings, But Action Against Those Bent On Creating Trouble - Ahmad Zahid

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.PUTRAJAYA, May 20 (Bernama) -- The government would not be issuing warnings anymore but would act tough against individuals whose extreme actions would only disrupt public order, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi Monday.

He said the Inspector-General of Policen (IGP), and heads of departments and agencies under the home ministry had been given the full power to carry out the task within their respective jurisdiction and without political interference.

Ahmad Zahid said any action taken by the ministry to maintain public order must not be regarded as politically motivated but was based on the existing laws of the country.

Hence, he reminded the opposition leaders not to politicise the actions to be taken by the authorities in order to preserve peace and stability in the country.

He warned these leaders that they would face a big risk if they insisted on being stubborn.

"Lim Kit Siang and Lim Guan Eng should differentiate political objectives and political measures from the implementation of laws. Do not politicise every law enforcement by the IGP and other agencies under the ministry.

"We will not compromise but will act in accordance with the existing Acts and enactments. We will not give anymore warnings, so don't be angry with us when we take action," he said at a news conference in conjunction with his first day as home minister, here.

Also present were his deputy Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and the new IGP, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

To ensure smooth implementation of whatever by the ministry, Ahmad Zahid said it required the cooperation, support, views, suggestions and feedback from all quarters including the local communities, institutions, NGOs and political leaders from in and outside the government.

"This is not for our (Barisan Nasional) own political interest but for the good of society and country," he said.

On statements made by opposition leaders over various matters recently, Ahmad Zahid said these could be argued out in parliament.

"As politicians, we meet in the political arena, not on the street or at the open field but in the Dewan Rakyat," he added.

In KUALA LUMPUR, Ahmad Zahid later gave an assurance that there would no political interference in the police's jurisdiction in upholding the laws to maintain peace and stability in accordance with the power accorded to them.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to Bukit Aman, he said as long as actions taken by the police were not against the law, they should not be disputed by any quarters.

He said the Home Ministry had emphasised the need for the police to enhance cooperation with law enforcement agencies, particularly the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, in managing change and tackling social media wave as it was capable of destabilising the country.

On the arrest of student activist Adam Adli Abd Halim on Saturday for his involvement in a May 13 forum, Ahmad Zahid said the student activist had allegedly inciting the people to overthrow the government through demonstrations, a call deemed to be undemocratic as he advocated waging a war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"The government was formed through a democratic system and a coup through an uprising to form the government had never occurred in the country before.

"Seizing power undemocratically is against the Federal Constitution and an utter disregard to the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong," said Ahmad Zahid.