With the Johor state elections coming to an end, some believe that it was the perfect example of why a general election could be held as soon as possible.
Before the Johor elections went underway, BN’s chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that if BN were to win Johor, he’s super confident that they could also win in the General Elections. He also urged the next general election to be expedited.
However, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin appears to disagree. In a response, he said that the public health situation in the country, which has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, needs to be stable before GE15 can be held.
“Even when the country has entered the transition to endemic phase, it does not mean that the pandemic has ended,” stated Khairy.
He also stressed that everyone should be cautious as a general election involves a lot of people.
“When the country’s borders are opened, the spacing between the congregants (at mosques and surau) narrowed and the capacity limit terminated, it does not mean that we can do anything we like,” he explained.
“The Johor state election has just ended, so I feel it is better for the public health situation to be really stable first.”
“I also see that the Federal Government has an agreement (Memorandum of Understanding on Transformation and Political Stability) until July, so there is no urgent need for GE15 as the government is stable, it will not collapse and laws can be passed in Parliament,” he added.
Hence, Khairy believes that nothing unnecessary should be done just because there is a political opportunity.
Meanwhile, Khairy also said that discussions must be held with the Election Commission to find the best mechanism for allowing Covid-19 patients to vote in elections.
“Malaysians indeed have the right to vote but as the country is still in the midst of the pandemic, we need to think of a safe mechanism to enable Covid-19 patients to vote without adversely affecting people’s health,” he stated.
“Yes, it is their (Covid-19 patients) right to vote and it’s also the right of Malaysians not to get the Covid-19 infection. Hence, in balancing these rights, we need to have the best mechanism.”
Do you think that GE15 should be expedited? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: KJ: Free Covid Vaccination Program Shouldn’t Be Used As Campaign Material For Johor Election
