KUALA LUMPUR – Caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s announcement to dissolve Parliament today failed to take into account the possible campaign period clashing with the Deepavali celebrations.
Incumbent Ipoh Barat MP, M. Kula Segaran said that the interest of minorities was decimated by BN with the dissolution of Parliament.
“It is regrettable that the dissolution of Parliament has taken place just two weeks before Deepavali.
“Deepavali celebrations are a major event for the Hindus.
“I am shocked that the prime minister did not consider the Hindus in this country when making this decision.
“It looks like his priority is winning with a greater majority to form the next government at any expense,” he said, in a statement, today.
The DAP vice-chairman also pointed out that Ismail Sabri had failed to mention the Meteorological Department’s warnings in his speech, which is also shocking in his view.
“Malaysia is expecting heavy rainfall soon, which may greatly affect the lives of many Malaysians.
Some lives have been turned completely upside down by these floods (in the past), and voting would be the last thing on their mind (in such situations).
“It shows just how shallow the (caretaker) prime minister and Umno are.
“I urge Malaysians to get together to punish Umno for this thoughtless and selfish act. They have no respect, especially towards minorities in this country,” he said.
Despite always considering Indians as “fixed deposit” voters, Kula expressed hope that the Indian community would punish them and vote overwhelmingly against BN.
“With this decision, the PM has left a hollow and empty hole in his Keluarga Malaysia campaign after excluding the interest of the minorities.”
Early polls ‘clearly orchestrated by court cluster’
Meanwhile, incumbent Klang MP Charles Santiago also condemned the decision by Ismail Sabri, saying that the incumbent Bera MP had lacked the will to do “the right thing” by “staying the course”.
“The elections were clearly orchestrated by the “court cluster” without taking into any consideration of the running of state governments, the economy, or the budget which was tabled just three days ago.
“It only shows that they are willing to do anything to stay in power and earn a get out of jail card,” he told The Vibes when contacted.
Santiago said it is ironic indeed when the “Keluarga Malaysia PM” has done one over on “Keluarga Malaysia” himself by dissolving Parliament instead of compromising to ensure that the people survive through the “flooding season”.
It is a sham to hold an election during the floods, as well as during the festive Deepavali season, which is an important holiday period for all Hindus in the country.
“His move clearly undermines the Indian community as well,” he added.
Meanwhile, Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy sees Umno as nothing more than a selfish party which is out to stay in power despite having to alienate others.
He said that the Indian community sees it as distasteful that election campaigning may occur when they were out to celebrate Deepavali, which falls on October 24.
“For the last two years, we couldn’t fully celebrate it due to the lockdowns. Now, an election happens in the middle of marking the occasion. It is disrespectful.”
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has just announced the dissolution of Parliament effective today, nine months ahead of the end of its full term.
Ismail Sabri’s announcement was televised live just after 3pm in a special address from the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya.
A snap general election will now be held within 60 days of the dissolution, and the Election Commission will meet to set the date.
It is widely speculated, however, that the 15th general election could be held in early November to avoid the peak of the year-end monsoon season. – The Vibes, October 10, 2022
