Bersatu Youth rejects GE15 this year, citing climate change

 

The impact of climate change has made it untenable to hold the 15th general elections amid the annual monsoon season come year-end, according to Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal. 

Unlike in the past when elections can be called in November, this time, Wan Fayhsal (above) said the impact of floods could be worse than last year’s tragedy that lasted until January.

“Now we are living in times of climate change, so the magnitude of the floods and the impact on the people will be far greater and more complex.

“That is why we, from Bersatu’s Youth, wing echo the views to reject GE15 being called any time this year,” said the deputy unity minister during a press conference at Perikatan Nasional’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur after chairing a Bersatu Youth meeting today.

Wan Fayhsal said Bersatu Youth members nationwide have also been mobilised through Skuad Bersatu Prihatin for flood relief work and to provide other related assistance. 

“Bersatu Youth strongly condemns the action of certain parties that are clearly trying to manipulate their political role for personal interests by pushing to hold elections at a time when the people are struggling with issues threatening their livelihoods and safety.

“These groups did not heed the Malaysian Meteorological Department’s warning that the country risks facing major floods every year-end,” he said in a swipe at Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Beyond ordinary members mobilised as volunteers, Wan Fayhsal noted that Bersatu has many doctors among its ranks, including the state chairpersons in Johor and Malacca, as well as individual assemblypersons.

Among others, present during the press conference was Sungai Udang assemblyperson Mohd Aleef Yusof, who launched the Malaysia Health and Humanity Organisation - an NGO that will work alongside Bersatu.

“We are moving as an NGO that is not focused on political sentiments.

“Together, we will combine our resources and expertise as doctors to help the people in times of tragedy,” said Mohd Aleef.

Wan Fayhsal also stressed that Bersatu Youth is open to working with all parties on humanitarian grounds when pointed out that Muda - led by former Bersatu Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman - had yesterday also launched the party’s flood response plans.

“For the rakyat, we will set aside differences, but in elections, we will fight,” he said.

From within BN, among those who had spoken out against any move to dissolve Parliament this year include Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Housing and Local Government Minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican.

Previously, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he would discuss a suitable election date with the top five Umno leaders soon, where they would “deliberate on all issues” related to holding GE15, including the weather. - Mkini