Patriots president Bridgadier-General (Rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji said that while he had confidence in these agencies, they would still need to be “extremely careful”, in the wake of the heated political climate in the country, especially with the next general election (GE14) expected to be held in a matter of months.
“Patriots call upon the armed forces and the police to be extremely careful, impartial and professional in dealing with any exigencies that may develop prior and post the election period.
“The primary role of such national agencies in times of any exigency is to protect and defend the nation and its people.
“It is not to protect and defend any one political party,” Arshad said in a statement today.
He cited a training drill conducted recently involving thousands of police officers in many states, where the police dealt with “rioting” political supporters as part of an exercise in preparation for GE14.
“The exercise carried out by the special police force, supposedly an exercise in anticipation of any eventuality in the upcoming election period, has raised further concerns in the minds of the people that something untoward is likely to occur.
“That is because, such exercises were never carried out in the past,” Arshad said, adding that the Patriots themselves were also concerned.
He said that such concern on the part of the people, was over and above the economic and social stress they are undergoing, trying to “put food on the table”, aside from settling bills and other financial commitments.
“The are worried something untoward might happen to the nation and their families should the election go awry.”
Arshad called for the government to find solutions to help the people overcome the rising cost of living and other social issues that they faced.
“Failing which could see a disastrous electoral outcome for the ruling coalition during the next general election.”
This is not the first time that the issue of national security coming under threat has been raised, based on the possibility of the ruling Barisan Nasional government losing GE14.
National Security Act 2016
In July, former minister Zaid Ibrahim warned that Prime Minister Najib Razak might invoke the National Security Council (NSC) Act 2016, in an effort to retain power if the results of GE14 do not favour him and Umno.
“The prime minister has already said that he would do whatever it takes to defend the country, the Malay race and Islam.
“I read that to mean that he considers himself and Umno as indispensable, and that he is the sole defender of the country, the Malay race and Islam,” Zaid wrote in his blog, saying that such a scenario was possible, and that Pakatan Harapan leaders need to be prepared.
The NSC Act, which was passed in Parliament in December 2015, allows, among others, for the prime minister to chair the National Security Council to declare a state of emergency without having to go through the Yang diPertuan Agong.