KUALA LUMPUR, NOV 19: The election commission today said Malaysian Police had been put on guard against the threat of riots on the nomination day, but opposition leaders accused authorities of creating "culture of fear" to win votes.Election commission secretary Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said thousands of people were expected to throng 192 public halls across Malaysia on Saturday where political aspirants will submit nomination papers ahead of the November 29 snap poll. He said police were prepared in case of trouble.
"Officers have begun patrolling the nomination centers, making sure the fences are safe and secure," Wan Ahmad told mediapersons.
"We urge supporters not to cause any trouble," he said.
Campaigning for elections starts tomorrow, when candidates file their nomination forms to election commission officials in 13 states. Once the nominations are approved, many supporters are expected to hold massive, carnival-like street processions as public display of unity.
Top government leaders, includingPrime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and police have lately warned against public disorder.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.