Following the dissolution of parliament on Monday (October 10), Malaysians have been wondering when the eventual date of the next General Election (GE) would be announced as it has to be held within the next 60 days.
The secretary-general of UMNO did recently reveal that the next GE is likely to take place mid-November, which is before the flood season, however, we can never be too sure as disaster can hit us anytime.
So WHAT IF a flood happens during the GE? Could the historic event be postponed to another date?
According to a report by Sin Chew, election analysts believe that if a severe flood happens during the GE, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has the absolute power to declare a state of emergency and postpone its date.
Election analyst, Manimaran said that if there were to be floods during the GE, then the event is mostly likely to be delayed.
Back in December 2021, the Agong had declared a state of emergency in Perak and Sarawak to avoid the spread of the Covid-19 virus, where people were not allowed to come out and vote during the state elections.
In the meantime, another analyst, who was more optimistic towards the matter said that the delay of the next GE due to the flood is unlikely. However, voting MAY be postponed in areas where severe floods occur.
“Any flood-prone areas, such as in Kelantan & Terengganu, the statewide voting may be postponed.”
Here’s how it would work
If a flood were to occur in an area and affect the voting process, the National Security Council (MKN) would immediately report the disaster to Agong, and His Majesty will then have the ability to decide if the election shall be postponed to another date when the condition improves.
Do you think that the next GE should be held in mid-November, as suggested by Ahmad Maslan? Or do you think that the dissolution of Parliament happened at the wrong time?
Also read: PM Says He Had to Dissolve Parliament Due to Disharmony in Federal Government
