Muhyiddin wants PM to commit to dissolution date amid uncertainties

Two days have passed since Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Thursday.

Amid tight-lipped cabinet ministers and the PM’s non-commitment to the outcome of that meeting, Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin is pressing for a date for the dissolution of Parliament.

Muhyiddin (above) reportedly urged Ismail Sabri to set a date for the 15th general election (GE15) to give clarity to a nation facing so many uncertainties, including a looming floods crisis.

Muhyiddin, who is Bersatu president, reminded the government that it need not heed the advice of the Umno “Top 5”, who are not from the government but want GE15 to be held immediately.

Speaking to reporters in Pagoh after the Bersatu division meeting there, Muhyiddin said however that the government needed to announce if GE15 will be held soon.

“We don’t know if Yang di-Pertuan Agong had given his consent for the dissolution of Parliament.

“The government needs to make a decision (set a date for GE15),” Sinar Harian reported.

Muhyiddin said it is preferable for GE15 to be held in March next year after the annual floods had receded.

Mid-last month, 600 flood victims were evacuated in Johor. More recently on Thursday, 29 flood victims were transferred to relief centres.

Muhyiddin, who is Pagoh MP, also expressed PN’s preference for GE15 to be held later as the current Parliament’s term had not yet lapsed.

He also took issue with Umno vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin’s sarcastic remarks that all parties are well aware of the annual flooding, adding that the hindrance of constituents’ voting rights should not be ignored.

Muhyiddin added that the decisions of three state governments to not dissolve their respective legislative assemblies this year should be taken into consideration as it would cost the Election Commission RM2 billion. - Mkini