Demonstrations dent government resources - Nur Jazlan

Demonstrations by various parties are causing wastage of manpower which could be put to better use by the authorities to safeguard the nation, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said.

He said when a group demonstrated, the authorities, especially the police were forced to use its resources, including time and energy, to prevent the activity from becoming unruly.

Therefore, he called on all quarters involved in organising demonstrations to stop the racket as it was against the culture of the people in the country.

"If they did not demonstrate, there is no need for security forces to interfere. The problem is when security forces carry out their job, both sides complain.

"If the organisers stop demonstrating in streets, the problem will not arise," he told a press conference here Monday.

Earlier, he officiated the Seventh ICCE-ASCAD International Conference on Addiction which was attended by Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron and National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) director-general Datuk Dr Abd Halim Husin.

About 400 participants from 27 countries, including Thailand, Kenya, Sri Lanka, South Korea and Malaysia are attending the five-day conference held to combat drug addiction-related problems.

Meanwhile, Nur Jazlan said the government, via various enforcement agencies was fighting drug runner activities at smuggling hotspots in the country.

"The generous incentives offered by syndicates is promoting drug smuggling in the country's border areas.

"Hence, I am not surprise if personnel deployed by the authorities are also involved in such activities," he added. -- Bernama