No reason to delay GE15, says Tok Mat

 

There is no reason for Umno to delay the 15th general election (GE15), said Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan.

In fact, the former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar questioned government leaders who want to delay the election.

He said the legitimacy of the ruling government continues to be questioned as it was not an elected government or formed through an election victory but instead a government formed through political games.

“Don’t keep making excuses. Malaysia has never been governed by a government that was not formed through a democratic election before.

“How long must we depend on the confidence and supply agreement (CSA) and memorandum of understanding (MOU) to manage the stability of our country?

“Since when have our survival and legitimacy as a government been dependent on the kindness and sympathy of other parties? Until when?” he questioned during his speech in the opening ceremony of the annual general meetings of Women, Youth and Puteri wings at Menara Dato ‘Onn tonight.

Strong party needed as government

Mohamad, fondly known as Tok Mat, said Malaysia needed a government with a strong party as, without it, a stable government cannot be formed.

Therefore, Mohamad urged Umno to support the calls to speed up GE15, even though there have been objections from some Umno members.

“What is the guarantee that the situation will be in BN’s favour if we delay GE15? Is there a reason for rejecting GE15 now, based on thorough and in-depth analysis? Or are you just following your heart and emotions?

“By postponing GE15, will BN be in a better position to win? And if so, what is the formula behind it?

“What other momentum does BN need for us to wait for an election when the feel-good feeling towards the current government had started to fade?” he further questioned.

There is no guarantee that the CSA and the MOU, signed with the opposition coalition, will continue to survive in the current dynamic political situation, he added.

Mohamad also said that at a time when there is a prime minister from Umno but it is not an Umno government, the party must admit that its political strength is weak.

He added that Umno currently controls 17 seats in Parliament, which is far behind Umno’s position and influence. The figure is the lowest percentage in the history of Malaysian democracy.

“Once again, we cannot deny that we had no choice but to manage the country through an understanding with the opposition. This is something that has never crossed our minds.

“So much so that it has caused confusion. Is Umno ruling, or being ruled? The rakyat is of the impression that Umno is in power due to the goodwill and kindness of others, not our strengths and abilities,” he said. - Mkini