More cases of violence reported in Malaysia's election campaign

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Xinhua) -- An average of more than 100 cases of election-related violence and misdemeanours are reported daily in Malaysia's 13th general election campaign during the last three days, local media reported Wednesday.

"It has only been three days after nominations and already we have recorded 387 cases nationwide," Asst Comm Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, secretariat assistant head of the country's Inspector- General of Police, told the local English newspaper "The Star."

He said that fighting among supporters, including armed confrontations using weapons such as machetes and knives, have been common since the Nomination Day.

"Some 15 people have been arrested during the last three days. They were in possession of weapons such as machetes and were suspected of slashing rival party supporters and criminal intimidation, mostly while putting up flags and banners," he said.

A total of 1,056 such cases with 30 arrests had been recorded since the dissolution of the parliament on April 3, he said.

Expressing concern over the escalating violence in the election campaign, he said that party supporters should "control their emotions." He called on supporters of different political parties not to resort to violence in election related activities.

The 13th Malaysian general election will be held on May 5, following the dissolution of the Parliament announced by the Prime Minister on April 3.

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