Polls in Malacca may jeopardise Covid-19 recovery, warn PKR, DAP

PKR and DAP have voiced their objections to holding a state election in Malacca following the withdrawal of support for the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.

PKR's Machap Jaya assemblyperson Ginie Lim (above) said the decision was done unilaterally and goes against the spirit of cooperation.

"The decision to hold state polls during the pandemic puts the people at risk of infection. Umno must take responsibility if the state election impacts public health," she said in a statement.

However, Lim said she accepted the decision that it will be a chance for Malaccans to make their voice heard about the state and country's direction. 

She also indicated that she will defend her seat.

Meanwhile, the DAP central executive committee also criticised the decision to hold state polls.

"Malaysia is now recovering from the Covid-19 crisis and a state-wide election may jeopardise the recovery efforts.

"We must not repeat the same mistake as the Sabah state election last year, which led to new waves of infections and the loss of control over the pandemic," DAP assistant organising secretary Khoo Poay Tiong said in a separate statement today.

This was after Malacca Governor Ali Rustam dissolved the State Legislative Assembly on the advice of Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali.

"It is no secret that the PN government in Malacca has been suffering from internal conflicts ever since the government was formed.

"The internal rift has now spilled over and the four state representatives have put Malacca, and potentially the whole country, into another round of political crisis," added Khoo, who is the Kota Melaka MP.

First opportunity

Khoo said the CEC had a meeting yesterday to discuss political developments in Malacca and Malacca Pakatan Harapan leader Adly Zahari was invited to brief the party leadership about the issue.

"A new government should be formed in Malacca in accordance with the State Constitution," he said.

DAP assistant organising secretary Khoo Poay Tiong

The party or coalition with the majority should be given the first opportunity and invitation to form a new government.

"During the meeting, the CEC has also firmly informed Adly of our preferred candidate for the chief minister position," he said.

He said that since the PN government in Malacca has collapsed, Sulaiman should have tendered his resignation immediately as he no longer has the majority in the state assembly.

"He is in no position to advise for the dissolution of the state assembly. The governor must be allowed to act independently and objectively in accordance with the State Constitution and without any undue influence or pressure from external parties," Khoo added.

Disgruntled politicians

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has raised the possibility of a state of emergency in Malacca in order to postpone a snap election.

Zahid said the Election Commission should consult with the National Security Council (NSC) and the Health Ministry on holding the election.

"If the pandemic, in the opinion of the Health Ministry and NSC, is deemed too dangerous to be held within 60 days, as set out in the election law, then guidance can be taken from what was done in Sarawak," he said.

Khoo said the political crisis in Malacca must be swiftly resolved so that "we can refocus attention on the well-being of the people".

"The internal politicking of disgruntled politicians should not distract the country’s ongoing effort to recover from the health and economic crisis we’re facing." - Mkini