What if it rains on polling day? Just use an umbrella, says Ahmad Maslan

 

Seven years after his infamous “university students should cook own meals” remark, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan is now telling voters to use an umbrella if it rains on polling day. -NSTP/NUR AISYAH MAZALAN

KUALA LUMPUR: Seven years after his infamous "university students should cook own meals" remark, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan is now telling voters to use an umbrella if it rains on polling day.

In an interview that was aired on Astro Awani's 'Agenda Awani' programme last night, the Umno secretary-general said voters could go to polling centres even if it rained heavily.

They just need to use an umbrella, he said, referring to the monsoon season expected in November.

Ahmad said this was better for the public than choosing to not cast their votes."Those who don't go out to vote will leave it to those who do. Why not go out (and vote)?

"It's not like there will be riots. We have had 14 general elections and there has never been a riot.

"If it's raining, use an umbrella. They (voters) must go out.

"Casting your vote will bring a sense of satisfaction through choosing the best party and the best candidate to ensure a peaceful and prosperous country. And of course, the best party is Barisan Nasional," he said in the interview.

He said he predicted that in the 15th General Election (GE15), 75 per cent of the electorate would cast their votes.

He said his prediction was lower than the voter turnout in GE14, which was 82.32 per cent, but the 75 per cent projection was much better than what others were expecting.

"Perhaps many will feel reluctant to participate in the democratic process. Personally, I predict about 75 per cent (voter turnout), which I think is a good percentage that will bring effective results for our democracy.

"The 75 per cent (prediction) is a good number to get a good election result."

In 2015, Ahmad came under fire after telling university students to cook their own meals instead of eating out following an increase in the prices of goods due to the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax.

After being told that university students are not allowed to cook on campus, Ahmad, who was the then deputy finance minister, said his remarks were taken out of context.

He claimed that he had never told university students living on campus to cook their own meals and that the advice was meant for those living off-campus. - NST