ADUN SPEAKS | Ten reasons why PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob should not opt for an early 15th general election (GE15)
First, from Ismail Sabri’s selfish perspective, prolonging the period before the next GE means he can last longer as the prime minister and increase his chance of becoming the next prime minister after GE15.
Second, the whole world knows that Ismail Saberi is under tremendous pressure from the Umno cluster, particularly from former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to call for an early GE15.
He has been resisting this pressure for some time, more so after the recent Johore by-election.
However, Ismail Sabri has been resisting this call on the grounds of inflation, the state of the economy and food security.
It only makes sense for the country to go a full term before holding GE15 next year.
Third, if Ismail Saberi calls for an early GE15 due to the pressure exerted by some Umno leaders, then he must take responsibility for interfering with the judicial process.
Not only has Najib been convicted, but his appeal might be heard shortly in the federal court.
Zahid’s case of embezzlement of funds might be coming up and not to mention the case against Rosmah Mansor, Najib’s wife.
Withstanding the pressure from Umno means that Ismail Sabri might allow the courts to dispose of these cases before the next GE15.
This will not only strengthen his position in Umno but ensure that he has a chance to be the next prime minister.
Ismail Sabri might be seen as non-effectual, but he is certainly a better choice than corrupt Umno leaders.
Fourth, if an early GE is called in accordance with the wishes of a certain faction in Umno, then there is a possibility that three states in the country, Penang and Selangor under Pakatan Harapan and Kelantan under PAS, might not go along with it.
I am not sure whether Ismail is fully cognisant of this fact and its implications.
Holding the GE15 next year after the completion of one full electoral term would make sense to avoid having parliamentary and state elections at different times.
Fifth, Umno appears to be the most selfish and irresponsible party due to the actions of those leaders who have been accused of corruption and fiscal misappropriation.
Just because they don’t want to face the dim prospect of being convicted and going to jail, they want to subvert the judicial process by calling for an early GE15.
Whether an early GE can influence the direction of the courts remains to be seen.
But certainly, some Umno leaders, having exhausted other avenues, still believe that an early GE15 might be the last chance to save their political careers.
Never mind that Malaysians have lost billions in taxpayers’ money due to the greed and selfish actions of a few.
Sixth, not going for an early GE15 as demanded by the Umno court cluster is a rare opportunity for Ismail Sabri to say no to them.
By ignoring their pressure, the prime minister might get the support and goodwill of the larger Malaysians.
In fact, Ismail Sabri’s litmus test to be the next prime minister is whether or not he can say no to these bunch of crooked and self-seeking politicians.
I know it would be difficult to stand up, but Ismail Sabri has no choice if he wants to be counted as a decent and responsible prime minister of the country.
Seventh, the question is not about the timing of the GE15 but whether the government under Ismail Sabri will have the moral fibre to stop the rot that is taking a heavy toll on the country.
By saying no to the Umno court cluster, Ismail might defy the odds to earn a reputation that is much needed to steer the country out of the doldrums of economic and financial malaise.
Eighth, Umno or BN is not as strong as projected by some.
Winning the state by-elections in Malacca and Johor on the basis of low voter turnout is no indication that Umno is on the ascendancy politically.
It was merely a relative success against the weakened Harapan coalition.
A better strategy based on broader oppositional coalition politics might be able to take on the BN led by Umno.
There is no guarantee that BN will sweep the next GE15.
In fact, Harapan might even win the GE15 if coalition building is strengthened and consolidated.
Ninth, Ismail Sabri must not think that Umno is on the path of political ascendancy.
If such thinking is allowed to germinate, then it might be possible for him to give in.
But then, he has his own group of advisors from Umno who think that the party is not that invincible.
The recent electoral successes in Malacca and Johor are not barometers to gauge BN’s victory in the GE15.
Tenth, Ismail Sabri, as the prime minister, has the political room to manoeuvre on the question of GE15’s timing.
The timing should be decided on the basis of what is good for the country as a whole and not pander to the particular interests of Najib or Zahid.
These individuals have done so much harm to the country that listening to them will be tantamount to massive betrayal.
I hope that Ismail Sabri has the patience and good sense not to be influenced by those in the Umno court cluster. - Mkini
P RAMASAMY is Perai assemblyperson and Penang deputy chief minister II.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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