KUALA LUMPUR – A petition started by PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli four days ago to oppose holding the upcoming general election during monsoon season has garnered nearly 15,000 signatures.
Hosted on Change.org, he said in the petition description that all weather reports predicted that floods would be much worse this year, as areas which were not flood-prone were hit before the monsoon season started.
He added that it is not about the preparedness of the political parties to campaign but all should be mobilising resources to face the floods.
The former Pandan MP said only the voice of the people can send a clear signal that they want politicians who are focused on facing the floods and not chasing political appointments via the national polls.
Many of the signatories who commented felt that the monsoon season is not the right time to hold elections as they are worried for their personal safety, while some suggested the polls be held in March or July next year.
Yesterday, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will present a suitable date to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament and pave the way for a general election to be held this year.
“The dissolution of Parliament must be held soon, to allow the 15th general election to be held within this year.
“Based on this decision, the prime minister will present a date for dissolution to the king in line with Article 40 of the federal constitution,” he said when reading out a statement to the press following the conclusion of an Umno Supreme Council meeting last night. – The Vibes, October 1, 2022