Early GE15? Three concerns bug cabinet, says source

The cabinet is concerned about three issues before it can greenlight the 15th general election (GE15) to be held this year.

According to a source, aside from the monsoon season, the cabinet also discussed the six states that have said would not dissolve their state assemblies even in the case of Parliament dissolution, as well as the status of the anti-hopping law.

"The flood season issue is known to all. Many quarters have disagreed about the election to be held during the monsoon season, especially on the east coast.

"Only states like Kelantan and Terengganu used to get flooded during the monsoon season last time, but last year, even Selangor got inundated, causing loss of lives," the source told Malaysiakini when contacted.

"So, this is definitely a matter of concern. Forget about transporting voters. How are Election Commission officers going to go in and out of polling centres? By boat?"

The source, who was also present at last Wednesday's cabinet meeting, confirmed that the date of GE15 was touched upon in the meeting, but the focus was on preparations to face the flood season.

Increased cost to hold separate state polls

According to the source further, also discussed were six states that have said would not dissolve their state assemblies together with the federal government.

For the record, the states are PAS-led Kedah, Terengganu, and Kelantan, and Pakatan Harapan-riled Negeri Sembilan, Penang, and Selangor.

"If these six states do not dissolve their state assemblies (together with Parliament), then the cost of holding the election will increase as state elections have to be held later.

"These have put several lawmakers against the idea of an early GE15."

The third factor of concern is the status of the anti-hopping law.

"Although the law has been passed at the federal level, it has yet to be enforced at state levels.

"Thus, there is a risk of party-hopping after the general election. There have been proposals for the matter to be sorted first before the election is held," the source added.

It is worth noting that the Dewan Rakyat passed the Constitution (Amendment) bill (No 3) 2022 and the Provision for the Prohibition of Members of Parliament (MPs) from Party-Hopping on July 28.

Despite being passed for third reading, several MPs opined that the law should cover more grounds. In addition, there are prompts for every state to present the amendments at the state assembly levels first. - Mkini