Don't speculate on gov't takeover, warn police

Deputy police chief Ismail Omar today issued a stern warning against those speculating and spreading rumours of a government takeover.

He said that these speculations were causing instability in the country, which has been abuzz with talks of a change in government.

“The irresponsible rumours have been spread through certain media organisations, short-text messaging system (SMS), blogs and Internet websites.

"These irresponsible people have spread rumours that there will be takeover of the government (by opposition).

“They also said that trouble are brewing everywhere and this have created fear and anxiety among the public and this can destabilise the country’s security,” the police chief told a special press conference at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman this afternoon.

Ismail said the rumours were giving outsiders the image that the country was in discord.

More ISA arrests?

Asked if he was alluding to any politician and in particular PKR and Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, Ismail said 'No'.

“It doesn’t matter whether or not it's a politician (who is spreading the rumours of a government takeover). What matters is that the rumours are irresponsible and it must stop,” he said.

Asked if there was a possibility that the Internal Security Act would be used against those found to be spreading the takeover ‘rumours’, Ismail declined to respond.

But he appealed for public cooperation in ensuring that the country remains safe by not listening to and spreading "speculations and rumours".

Everything is as usual and under control and the public can continue on with their lives without worries or fear. The situation in the country is stable,” he said.

In recent days there has been much talk of an impending takeover of the government by the Anwar-led Pakatan Rakyat.

Two days ago, Sept 16, was the date touted by Anwar to topple the present government with defections from Barisan Nasional.

The day passed uneventfully but Anwar claims that the political coup is still on but has refused to divulge the names of the defectors, citing security reasons.