Harapan reps slam Ismail Sabri’s flood ‘afterthought’

Several Pakatan Harapan representatives have criticised caretaker prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob after the latter reportedly said the Election Commission may call off the election in case there is massive flooding.

In a video posted on his official Facebook account, Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim questioned whether Ismail Sabri’s statement is motivated by the reality of the impending flood situation, or what he claims to be BN’s flagging popularity.

Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim

“Is the decision based on data and reality - which we will have to abide by - or was the statement made after seeing Umno/BN’s performance is on the downtrend?

“We will have to wait and pray to Allah that (the election) will proceed smoothly. Even if we must face an emergency, we shall see what the extent of the disaster is.

“And, the fault after spending billions of ringgit (on the election) shall go to Umno and especially Ismail Sabri, who should be cast away for being negligent in policymaking and executing his duties,” Anwar said.

Yesterday, Ismail Sabri (above) reportedly said the EC has the prerogative to stop the election in the event of major flooding.

Flood in Perak

“If major floods occur to the extent of preventing people from going out (to vote), then I will discuss with the EC to see if there are alternatives.

“We will discuss with MetMalaysia (Malaysian Meteorological Department), the Disaster Management Committee, and the EC can also give its views. It is up to the EC if it wants to stop the election,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

Govt’s readiness questioned

Selangor DAP chairperson Gobind Singh Deo reportedly told a fundraising event in Kajang last night that Ismail Sabri should have thought about it before pushing for a snap election.

“Now that the election has started, you’re just starting to talk about it? What kind of government is this?” the news portal The Vibes quoted him as saying.

The outgoing Klang MP Charles Santiago, meanwhile, reportedly questioned the government’s statements on its readiness to face the flood season.

Flood in Tanjung Karang, Selangor

According to the Malay Mail, Charles claimed one-third of evacuation centres nationwide are also being used as polling centres, and he questioned why a discussion with the EC had not taken place beforehand.

“His sudden sense of urgency comes a tad too late. He dissolved parliament knowing that GE15 would coincide with floods because the Malaysian Meteorological Department warned so two months ago.

“Giving in to pressure from Umno, he willingly sacrificed the well-being of Malaysians in an attempt to keep (Umno president) Ahmad Zahid Hamidi out of jail,” he added. - Mkini