GE15 needs to take place soon, says PAS leader

 

PAS central committee member Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki says too many elections will cause instability. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: A PAS leader says the 15th general election needs to be expedited, especially with Johor set to hold elections by March 23 at the latest.

PAS central committee member Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki said an unstable political climate would be detrimental to the economy, and foreign investors looked for stability when investing in a nation.

Stressing that this was his personal opinion, he said holding a general election separately from the upcoming Johor state polls would be disruptive as it forced voters to cast their ballots numerous times in a short period.

“If the government formulates policies now, but a year or two later, a new government takes over, there will surely be a change of policies.

“This will deter many investors, not just from outside the country but inside, too. Even Malaysians won’t be confident about doing business.

“I support (holding) a general election. This is my personal view. It needs to be expedited to return the mandate to the people. The mandate was taken in the middle (of the term), so it needs to be returned to the people,” he told Sinar Harian.

He reiterated that PAS’ stand would be determined by party president Abdul Hadi Awang, his deputy, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, or secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.

But Zuhdi’s comments appeared to be a breaking of ranks from the party leadership. In November, Takiyuddin said political parties cannot pressure Putrajaya into holding GE15.

Several Umno leaders, including deputy president Mohamad Hasan, have called for GE15 to be held soon, especially after Barisan Nasional’s massive win at the Melaka elections in November. - FMT