PETALING JAYA: Ismail Sabri Yaakob should not cave in to pressure from Umno leaders who are calling for an early general election (GE15) if he wants to earn the respect of the rakyat and enhance his chances of continuing as prime minister, says DAP’s P Ramasamy.
He said Ismail has managed so far to withstand the push to call for a snap election as demanded by Umno leaders who are facing court action and their supporters, but said the pressure is mounting.
“By ignoring their pressure, Ismail might get the support and goodwill of the larger section of Malaysians.
“In fact, his litmus test to be the next prime minister is whether or not he can say no to these bunch of self-seeking politicians,” he said in a statement today.
“I know it would be difficult to stand up to them, but Ismail has no choice if he wants to be counted as a decent and responsible prime minister.”
The Penang deputy chief minister said by withstanding the pressure from these Umno leaders, Ismail might allow the courts to dispose of their cases before GE15.
He added that this will not only strengthen Ismail’s position in Umno but also ensure that he has a chance to be the next prime minister.
“Ismail might be seen as ineffective as prime minister but he is certainly a better choice compared with certain corrupt Umno leaders.”
Ramasamy said he is also concerned that if an early GE15 is called, there is a high possibility that the Pakatan Harapan-ruled states, namely Penang and Selangor, as well as Kelantan under PAS, might decide against holding state elections simultaneously.
“This means that there will be several elections in the country in the near future. I am not sure whether Ismail is fully cognisant of this fact and the implications.
“Holding GE15 next year after the completion of the full electoral term would make sense to avoid having parliamentary and state elections at different times,” he said. - FMT
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