No need to rush GE15, says Umno veep

 

While Mohamad Hasan (left) has called for the mandate to be given to the people to choose their government, Mahdzir Khalid says now is not the right time.

PETALING JAYA: There is no need to hold the next general election (GE15) anytime soon, Umno vice-president Mahdzir Khalid said today, contradicting his party deputy president Mohamad Hasan.

Mahdzir said the government must instead prioritise the management of the Covid-19 pandemic and the country’s economic recovery instead.

He said that although it was clear Barisan Nasional’s (BN) momentum had peaked following the big win in the Melaka state elections on Saturday, the political parties in the coalition must put the interest of the people first.

“We don’t need to rush as we have time to discuss the matter and get a better idea and general consensus.

“Once we have a clear direction and we feel it is the right time to have a general election, then we can proceed,” he said.

Mahdzir added that the government has to prioritise the people who have to come out to vote in a general election, and not think solely about the party’s interests.

He reminded those in Umno who support Mohamad’s stand on holding the general election sooner rather than later, that the people want to see the number of daily Covid-19 cases reduced first.

Mahdzir said the government should also focus on the economic recovery because people of all backgrounds and various business sectors have been affected by the pandemic, including small traders, factories, the self-employed, and professionals.

“Everyone wants to go back to work or restart their business. So it is reasonable for us to prioritise this.

“When the pandemic has slowed down and the economy has recovered, then it would be a suitable time for a general election,” he added.

Yesterday, Mohamad clarified that his call for GE15 to be held soon was not made in the interest of Umno and BN, but to ensure the government of the day has the mandate of the people through the ballot box. - FMT