BUKIT MERTAJAM, 25 Aug 2008: Police will not issue permits to any party to hold victory processions after the Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election tomorrow.
Deputy Home Minister senator Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh said this was to prevent things from getting out of hand and undermining national security.
“Both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) have won elections before so there’s no need for celebration,” he told reporters after meeting the People’s Volunteer Corps or Rela members here today.
He said party supporters were discouraged from turning out in force, adding: “There are already over 50,000 voters, so don’t add to this by coming in droves to the extent of disturbing the polls.
“When there are too many supporters swarming in Permatang Pauh, the voters may get scared to turn up to cast their votes and this would hamper the smooth running of the democratic process,” he said.
He also advised voters to return home after casting their votes and not join any assembly. – Bernama
