GE13: 'VVIPs' behind gangs intimidating voters, say police

 Police have identified several gangs supported by 'VVIPs' which are intimidating voters and forcing them to vote for certain parties in the general election.
Federal CID director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin said the police had already called in a few people, including some VVIPs, for questioning.
"If such acts persist, we will detain the ones responsible for strong-arming and threatening the people," he told a press conference in Bukit Aman Thursday.
Comm Mohd Bakri said a task force had been formed to monitor election-related crimes, especially acts of gangsterism.
"We discovered the gangs not only target people at ceramah but some even go on house visits.
"We will not tolerate such a clear violation of the law," he said.
He added police had recorded 3,079 cases since nomination day, resulting in 101 arrests.
"20 have been charged for numerous election offences.
"Most of the cases involve sabotage, including arson as well as damaging flags and banners," he said, adding that 86 cases of ceramah held without permits had been recorded.
Comm Mohd Bakri assured the people that police have sufficient manpower to ensure a smooth and peaceful polling day.
Meanwhile, IGP Secretariat assistant head Asst Comm Ramli Mohamed Yusof said police uncovered a case where a group of men were impersonating Election Commission officers in Batu Pahat on Wednesday night.
"These men were preventing certain parties from having ceramah.
"We will investigate further to identify the suspects," he said adding that, the case was being investigated under Section 107 of the Penal Code.