Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he was not in favour of holding the next general election soon.
Speaking to reporters in Langkawi, he said many voters, including himself, are still concerned over the possibility of a Covid-19 wave due to an election campaign.
"I think it's still not suitable for a general election. We should be cautious. We must remember what happened in Sabah (in September 2020).
"At the time, Covid-19 cases were low, but after the election, it got worse," he was quoted as saying by Astro Awani. In September 2020, Covid-19 vaccines were not yet available.
Push for GE15
The present Parliament expires on July 16, 2023.
However, some Umno leaders are pushing for the 15th general election after July 31 this year to ride on the momentum achieved during the recent Malacca and Johor polls.
Pressure on Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is the Umno vice-president, is expected to mount after Umno's constitution was amended yesterday to postpone its party leadership election.
Prior to the amendment, Umno would have been compelled to hold its election by December this year.
Ismail Sabri will only celebrate his first anniversary as prime minister on Aug 21.
In order not to have the shortest prime ministerial term in history, he will have to serve at least until Feb 5 next year. - Mkini
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