PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional ministers and MPs have been told to oppose any plans to hold the next general election (GE15) this year, says the coalition’s chairman, Muhyiddin Yassin.
The former prime minister said GE15 should not be held this year as the monsoon season was approaching with possible flooding, particularly on the east coast.
“Holding an election amid floods will undoubtedly affect the election process and burden the people,” he said in a statement.
Muhyiddin said the government should concentrate on flood mitigation efforts, the post-pandemic economic recovery, inflation, and the rising prices of goods.
“The government must focus on the solutions to these problems, especially through the budget,” the Bersatu president said.
His remarks come after Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said it was his prerogative to seek a dissolution of Parliament that will pave the way for GE15.
Earlier today, Ismail stressed that other political parties had no say in the matter.
Last week, Muhyiddin had said that Ismail must get the Cabinet’s consent to dissolve Parliament.
Opposition politicians as well as those from PN have been speaking out against early elections, citing the monsoon season, the economic situation, the effects of the pandemic, and year-end festivities.
