In recent weeks, there have been plenty of talks by UMNO leaders that they are fully prepared and ready for a general election by sometime late this year despite the ongoing monsoon season.
However, their sentiments have been shot down by various opposition members who called on the government and the prime minister to be more humane and sensitive to the losses that the rakyat would have to endure if a general election were to be held during the floods.
There have also been rumours that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is set to seek the consent of Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to dissolve the Dewan Rakyat to make way for the 15th General Election (GE-15).
But, it seems that a large pool of Malaysians are against this idea.
Recently, an online petition which was launched by Gabungan Pilihan Raya Bersih dan Adil (BERSIH) gained some traction and currently has over 3,000 signatures since it was launched 2 days ago.
In the description of the online petition titled ‘PETITION TO REJECT UNDIBANJIR!’, BERSIH wrote, “We, the rakyat of Malaysia, call on the PM and humbly appeal to the YDPA to prioritise the safety and convenience of the rakyat before deciding to dissolve the Parliament and hold GE15 this year-end during the monsoon season.”
“This rush to hold the general election in November or December is irresponsible and a reckless act of political self-interest that can endanger the lives of voters in many east coast states and even the territories of Sabah and Sarawak, that may have flood in many areas.”
They explained that MetMalaysia had already warned of a wet year-end with storms, heavy rain and floodings in many areas.
“With climate change and extreme weather conditions, even west coast states like Selangor and Kedah could face severe floodings like what they experienced last year.”
“How can we be ready to face the floods when our police have to look after polling centres instead of saving flood victims and many halls and schools that would be needed as flood relief centres are used as polling centers,” they asked.
They added, “We hope that the PM and humbly appeal to the Agong to consider the interest of the rakyat over the narrow interest of a small group of politicians and hold GE15 next year.”
Do you agree with the online petition? Should the general election be pushed till after the flood season is over?
Also read: Zahid Says Flood Concerns Are A ‘Myth’, BN Ready For GE
