We will monitor March 27 gathering speeches, Khalid warns

The police today warned of firm action against anyone whose speeches at a gathering planned for March 27 in the country smacked of sedition.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said those addressing the gathering, even if it was in an enclosed area, must exercise caution for the police would act if they touched on matters of a seditious nature.

He said the police had yet to receive any notice on the gathering from the organisers.

"I do not know where they want to hold the gathering. Even if it is held in an enclosed area, we will monitor (the speeches)," he told reporters after the presentation of the Pingat Kedaulatan Negara medals to police officers and men who had fought the Lahad Datu intruders in Sabah in 2013.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin are among those who have confirmed their attendance at the gathering proposed by former minister in the prime minister's department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim to protest against the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk

Seri Najib Razak.

READ: Muhyiddin says he will attend March 27 gathering

On the 11th Sarawak elections, which have to be held by June, Khalid said the police had identified the constituencies where a tense atmosphere could prevail.

He declined to name the constituencies but said the police were ready to ensure security in all the 82 constituencies for a smooth election.

On the threat of the Daesh militant group in Sarawak, Khalid said the police were monitoring to ensure that these militants did not enter the state.

A total of 164 police officers and personnel who served during the Lahad Datu intrusion in Sabah received the Pingat Kedaulatan Negara medals.