No more warnings, but stern action against those bent on creating trouble

He said the Inspector-General of Policen (IGP), and heads of departments and agencies under the home ministry had been given the full power to carry out the task within their respective jurisdiction and without political interference.

Ahmad Zahid said any action taken by the ministry to maintain public order must not be regarded as politically motivated but was based on the existing laws of the country.

Hence, he reminded the opposition leaders not to politicise the actions to be taken by the authorities in order to preserve peace and stability in the country.

He warned these leaders that they would face a big risk if they insisted on being stubborn.

"Lim Kit Siang and Lim Guan Eng should differentiate political objectives and political measures from the implementation of laws. Do not politicise every law enforcement by the IGP and other agencies under the ministry.

"We will not compromise but will act in accordance with the existing Acts and enactments. We will not give anymore warnings, so don't be angry with us when we take action," he said at a news conference in conjunction with his first day as home minister, here.

Also present were his deputy Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and the new IGP, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

To ensure smooth implementation of whatever by the ministry, Ahmad Zahid said it required the cooperation, support, views, suggestions and feedback from all quarters including the local communities, institutions, NGOs and political leaders from in and outside the government.

"This is not for our (Barisan Nasional) own political interest but for the good of society and country," he said.

On statements made by opposition leaders over various matters recently, Ahmad Zahid said these could be argued out in parliament.