Sarawak police to probe mistreatment complaints

KUCHING, Tues: Sarawak police will investigate reporters’ allegations that they were mistreated by policemen on duty during nomination day in several nomination centres.

Sarawak Police Commissioner Mohmad Salleh conceded that incidents might be due to poor coordination between police and election commission personnel posted in the centres.

So far, only three locations - Kota Samarahan, Petra Jaya and Lubok Antu - received complaints, Mohmad said after chairing a meeting with political parties at the Sarawak Police Headquarters Officers' Mess today.

On Sunday, reporters alleged they were barred from entering the nomination centres at Kota Samarahan and SMK Petra Jaya despite showing policemen and polling officials their Election Commission accredited special passes. In Kota Samarahan, 20 or so reporters were finally allowed in when BN candidate Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib, contesting Kota Samarahan, arrived.

Several reporters also complained of suffering lacerations after policemen tried to shut the steel gate. Similar complaints were also received from reporters at Petra Jaya and Lubok Antu, stating that policemen have barred them from entering due to "new instructions" from the Election Commission.

Despite the allegations, none of the reporters lodged an official police report. “We might consider calling the reporters involved for statements," said Mohmad.

Sarawak election director Takun Sunggah claimed he was unaware of what transpired, pointing out that police were in charge of security at all nomination centres. He, however, assured reporters that these problems would be sorted out before polling day.

--NST