The lock-ups in the Pasir Mas district police headquarters in Kelantan have been vacated to house troublemakers at the upcoming Pengkalan Pasir by-election, said Deputy Internal Security Minister Noh Omar today.

"Don't try to cause any trouble. We have emptied the lock-ups," he warned those who intended to stir-up problems.

He said security personnel will not hesitate to act against anyone, be it from Barisan Nasional (BN) or PAS.

"Although it is only a by-election, it has a huge implication and could affect the standing of the Kelantan state government controlled by PAS with 23 seats," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

He said if BN won the Dec 6 contest, the coalition would have 22 state seats thus further thinning the PAS majority.

"It is very important, so there could be certain quarters who will want to take advantage to disturb the election process," he added.

Noh said there have also been discussions with the state deputy public prosecutor's office to charge those arrested as soon as possible.

Police will be nuetral

As for proof that the police will not compromise against those who flout the law, he said this can be seen from the dispersal of five political gatherings held without permits.

"From this aspect, the police will not take sides. Until now, the police have ordered five gatherings without permits to stop, including those from BN and PAS.

"To avoid traffic congestion, we would like to inform early, don't be angry if the police tow vehicles parked haphazardly," he added.

According to him, the Kelantan police have beefed up its manpower to1,252 personnel to ensure that the by-election proceeds smoothly.

Apart from this, 380 Federal Reserve Unit personnel and 20 women police personnel will be on standby. A police helicopter will also be deployed.

The by-election is being held following the death of incumbent PAS leader Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Jaafar on Oct 31.