Melaka snap election: we don’t want repeat of post-Sabah polls Covid-19 surge, says PM

PUTRAJAYA – It is too early to call for a snap election in Melaka to form a new state government, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Bera MP said any surge in Covid-19 cases, such as that which occurred after the Sabah election last year, must be avoided at all cost should snap polls be called in Melaka.

“Many Malaysians have expressed their concerns on social media. After the Sabah polls, Covid-19 cases went up. Many are concerned.

“However, if a state election is held, the Election Commission will issue strict SOPs to ensure everything is under control.

“I believe discussions with the Health Ministry will be made,” Ismail Sabri said after launching the National Preparedness Month celebration at Putrajaya Corporation today.

Yesterday, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi proposed the dissolution of the Melaka assembly to make way for a snap election to determine a legitimate state government.

This came after the decision of four assemblymen to withdraw their support for the state leadership, citing loss of confidence in the chief minister, Umno’s Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.

The four are Umno lawmaker Datuk Seri Idris Haron, Umno’s Datuk Nor Azman Hassan, independent assemblyman Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee and Bersatu’s Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad.

Today, Ismail Sabri said it is up to Zahid to decide the party’s next move as discussions have been made with Melaka leadership.

“It is still too early, we don’t know what will happen.

“We will wait for the Melaka governor to decide (on whether to dissolve the state government); he will make the decision. We will just wait,” he said.

When asked if the political turmoil in Melaka will boil over to Putrajaya, he said anything can happen in politics.

“We don’t know. Anything can happen in politics. What is impossible can be possible and what is possible can be impossible.

“The situation is now stable since the MoU (memorandum of understanding) has been signed. It is not only stable in the Parliament but the whole country as well; the people are happy. There is no extreme politicking going on now.

“We see that the government and opposition are working well together and we see that they are focused on economic development.” – The Vibes, October 5, 2021