Sungai Pelek assemblyperson Ronnie Liu has listed seven reasons for the 15th general election (GE15) to be held next year.
In an open letter addressed to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Liu cited the country’s economic crisis, inflation and floods, among others, as reasons to hold GE15 between May and July 2023.
“Malaysia cannot afford another general election, especially when Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s administration has until July next year to hold the general election. Allow me to elaborate, Tuanku.
“First of all, the country has just come out of the Covid-19 pandemic where the movement control order (MCO) has already affected the economic climate everywhere in the country.
“Secondly, it is only in recent months, some sectors of the economy are coming back together again, but the pandemic is still a big challenge till today.
“Thirdly, the inflation has created a shortage of food supply, which caused prices to rise beyond the means of the ordinary rakyat.
“Even in my own constituency, the B40 community, especially those from the Bumiputra community have expressed concerns that the government has failed to address the issue of food prices,” he said in a statement today.
Liu said the politicking expected to occur during a general election, particularly on the way politicians play on race and religious cards, may also cause tensions to rise beyond control.
‘Focus on floods’
The DAP central executive member said that the government should focus on mitigating the floods, which are expected to take place during the proposed election period.
“Last year, when the floods hit, many people were unhappy with the slow response from the government agencies despite the country having its National Security Council to look into emergencies such as floods.
“The floods had affected eight states across the peninsula and left at least 54 dead and two missing. In the minds of the people is still a strong image of people languishing in the floods, while ministers were on holiday overseas.
“We do not want this to happen again in the country. This is the reason that prompts many of us to speak up on behalf of the rakyat, Tuanku,” he said.
Liu added that public funds will be put to waste in calling the general election when several states have openly declared that they want a full term.
‘No PM candidate’
Liu’s sixth reason was that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) and BN coalitions have no proposed candidate for prime minister.
“It is unlikely that the current prime minister will be giving the party watikah, if he dissolves the Parliament this year as he is only no three in ranking in Umno. The absolute power in Umno is in the hands of Zahid, whose corruption case is still pending in the courts.
“Assuming that BN or PN wins the general election, the country would have to have a new prime minister in such a short time. This is not good for the country’s economy.
“Therefore, it is really not sensible or logical to me for Ismail Sabri to dissolve the parliament this year. He will get all the blame from the rakyat if the floods hit us or the number of Covid-19 cases escalates like what happened in the Sabah state election. Zahid would not be on the hot seat,” he said.
‘Court cluster’
His final reason was the participation of politicians involved in the court cluster.
“What the rakyat wants to see happening for many years now is to see justice upheld. Having the general election this year will also mean that the court cluster leaders such as Zahid could take part in GE15.
“Malaysians cannot imagine Zahid making a comeback as our prime minister. That would be disastrous, Tuanku.
“With all due respect to my political party, I am writing this as an individual. In my opinion, Tuanku, the rakyat deserves a stable and strong government after GE15, whether Pakatan Harapan, BN or PN wins.
“The picture will only become clearer next year. At the moment, the country is still in a mess. Therefore, it is better to have GE15 between May or latest by July next year,” he said. - Mkini
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