Muhyiddin: Call to postpone Malacca, Johor elections 'cowardly'

 

Bersatu has rejected calls to postpone the Malacca and Johor state elections, describing the move as “cowardly” and baseless, given that the country is not facing a health crisis like during the Covid-19 era.

Party president Muhyiddin Yassin said the suggestion by a DAP lawmaker to declare an emergency to delay the polls lacks strong justification and is believed to be driven by political fears.

“For me, there is no reason (to postpone the state elections). If this is proposed by a DAP representative, he is asking for an emergency to be declared to delay the elections.

“When we (Perikatan Nasional) had an emergency before, elections were postponed due to a health crisis,” said Muhyiddin, who, as the eighth prime minister, had declared an emergency status to suspend Parliament and elections amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I don’t know what the reason is now for asking for a delay. The assumption is that they are afraid they will lose if elections are held now.

“Lose because people are angry - angry about fuel issues, diesel, the cost of living. For me, there is no reason (to postpone).

“Since the government has decided on elections, we in the opposition PN are ready at any time,” he told reporters when met at the Gombak Bersatu Aidilfitri gathering today.

Also present were Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali and Gombak Setia assemblyperson Hilman Idham.

While Muhyiddin cited the Covid-19 pandemic to declare an emergency and suspend Parliament in January 2021, it was reported that he only had the support of 110 MPs in Dewan Rakyat at the time, short of a majority.

The suspension of Parliament, therefore, prevented a vote of no confidence against the then prime minister and put to rest the speculation of snap polls.

Skyrocketing cost of living

Previously, Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong had suggested that the Malacca government seek an emergency proclamation from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to postpone the state polls, which are due by year-end.

Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong

The proposal was made amid public pressure over rising living costs, particularly following fuel-related issues.

However, it drew criticism from Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who stressed that an economic crisis is not a reasonable justification for declaring an emergency. - Mkini