PUTRAJAYA – Datuk Seri M. Saravanan has expressed bemusement over the opposition’s constant objection to the government’s plan to conduct the elections before the end of the year, amid the monsoon season.
The MIC deputy president said going by the opposition’s logic – that end-of-the-year polling coinciding with the monsoon season would only infuriate the rakyat – the bloc should have been more supportive of the idea, as it would serve to its benefit.
“I’m puzzled, why is the opposition being so nice? If the government makes a grave mistake by conducting the election during the floods and if the rakyat is truly angry, shouldn’t they allow it?
“This would have benefitted them (opposition). Why are they suddenly looking after our (government’s) interests? This is a mere political drama.
“They are just afraid the rakyat won’t vote for them after suffering for 22 months (under their leadership),” he told reporters when met here after an event today.
Speculations are rife that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob would seek to dissolve Parliament as soon as after the tabling of the 2023 Budget this Friday evening, with some rumours also floating of the possibility of a dissolution earlier.
Ismail Sabri is set to have an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong tomorrow as part of their pre-cabinet weekly meeting, where the duo are expected to discuss the election date.
The opposition has been consistent in objecting to having an election during the monsoon season, warning that the rakyat’s lives will be put at risk if the government persists with its plan.
Saravanan, however, said the concerns raised by the opposition bloc are fallacious, as the floods are only expected to take place sometime after November 15, as per the forecast of the Meteorological Department.
“If Parliament is dissolved in the next couple of days, the general election can be held by the first or second week of November. We will still be safe, there won't be any problem.
“Either way, in the cabinet, we have discussed at length on measures to be taken in facing the floods. The government is ready. Even if there is an election before November, we are ready. There’s no need to worry.
“What we should be worried about is if there is a change in government,” he said.
Saravanan, who is also human resources minister, added that he is convinced the rakyat are wise enough not to vote for Pakatan Harapan (PH) after suffering under its 22 months in federal power.
“I don’t think the rakyat will (vote for PH). Even if they do, there is danger, as there will be a (flood) disaster. So, how do you change the government then? We must maintain the current government,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Tapah MP took a swipe at PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli for only re-appearing in the political scene close to the election, saying this has been a trend with the former Pandan lawmaker.
“When there is an election, he will appear and confuse the rakyat. But when the country was facing the Covid-19 pandemic, where was he, if he really was that smart? Share your ideas then.” – The Vibes, October 5, 2022
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