Let’s go to the polls quickly so nation can move on, Zaid tells EC

 

Zaid Ibrahim wonders why the EC needs 10 days to decide on the nomination and polling dates when political parties have been gearing for the elections for months.

PETALING JAYA: Umno’s Zaid Ibrahim has called on the Election Commission (EC) to hold the 15th general election (GE15) quickly so the nation can return to business as usual with a government that has the rakyat’s mandate.

“This is the 21st century. We must move in double-quick time,” the former law minister told FMT, adding that prolonging the elections will have adverse effects on the nation.

“I do not understand why the EC needs 10 days before it can meet to determine nomination and polling dates,” he said, referring to its announcement that a meeting has been scheduled for Oct 20 to discuss dates for GE15.

“Just because the law gives us a window of 60 days does not mean that we must use up the whole of the next two months for the process.

“The EC must identify the polling dates immediately so that properly elected officials can take the reins of Putrajaya and work on putting our economy back on track.”

Zaid said there was no need for long campaign periods in this day and age.

He said Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s administration had been hanging in the balance for several months, with coalition partner Perikatan Nasional (PN) repeatedly threatening to withdraw its support for the government.

“It is no secret that in the meantime, all coalitions and political parties have been gearing up for the elections.

“Barisan Nasional, PN and Pakatan Harapan have all been working to shore up their respective positions in an effort to secure majority support on the floor of the Dewan Rakyat post-elections,” he said.

The veteran politician said advances in technology also mean that the rakyat are instantaneously kept informed of developments.

“We learnt during the pandemic the power of the internet and social media in driving messaging.

“These days, every political party without exception uses these tools for instantaneous communication with the masses. Even our rural folk have access to technology and use it extensively.

“That being the case, most of the campaign work can now be done virtually,” he said.

Noting that there is “genuine concern” that polling may be affected by potential inclement weather, Zaid said the solution was not to postpone the elections but to have it quickly.

“The rakyat are tired of waiting. The complaint since the Sheraton Move in February 2020 has been that the country is run by an illegitimate government.

“Holding the elections quickly will ensure that a legitimate government takes power,” he said.

In a special address on Oct 10, Ismail announced the dissolution of Parliament to trigger the general election. He and his Cabinet remain in charge in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed. - FMT