Snap polls OK after study
Published on: Sunday, February 12, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: A snap election for Sabah, which may be held ahead of the 14th General Election (GE14) that is due next year, need a thorough study prior to its implementation, said Dato' Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said it is imperative for an in-depth study and analysis to be carried out before bringing such proposal for further discussion with Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak. Dr Ahmad Zahid said he believes Chief Minister cum Sabah Umno Liaison Chief Datuk Seri Musa Aman must have strong reasons to recommend early polls in the State before the GE14.
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"I think we need to have an open mind about this and need to do several studies and detailed analysis before the State Government decides to hold it early."This vital matter must be discussed closely with Prime Minister Dato' Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak."And subsequently, we would look into the outcome and get feedback after the study and analysis are done so that we could finalise it," he said.Dr Ahmad Zahid spoke after launching the Wanita Umno information and media squad at Tabung Haji Hotel, Saturday.
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Also present were Musa, National Umno Wanita Chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, her vice chief Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun, National Umno Puteri Chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, Sabah Umno Wanita Chief Datuk Armani Mahiruddin.Political talk in the state is that Musa was keen to hold the state elections as Sabah Barisan Nasional is confident of winning more seats if it was not bogged down by national issues that allowed the Federal Opposition to make inroads in the last general election in 2013.
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Some political circles are claiming that elections could be held as early as in April if Barisan Nasional does not plan to use the 13 new seats which were carved out last year and expected to be tabled by Parliament in March. Presently, Sabah has 60 state seats.In Malaysia, any State may dissolve its assembly independently of Parliament, but in practice, most state assemblies dissolve at the same time, except for Sabah and Sarawak.The last time Sabah held separate polls was 1999. For the last three elections starting 2004, the state legislative has been voted in at the same time as their parliamentary representatives.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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