GEORGE TOWN – Caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has now taken Malaysians “hostage” by dissolving Parliament before Budget 2023 is passed, said Bayan Baru incumbent Sim Tze Tzin.
The PKR politician said that by rushing the 15th general election (GE15) close to the end of this year instead of passing the federal budget that was tabled last Friday, the country faces the risk of a government shutdown if funds are not approved for spending next year.
“Ismail Sabri should have taken the honourable approach to first pass the budget, then hold polls.
“Now, the people are made hostages in the future fight for the country because of a rushed process to hold an election,” said Sim.
He said a potential shutdown of the government may occur if Parliament is unable to pass the budget by March of next year, especially if the outcome of GE15 results in a hung legislature, where no party or coalition has the majority.
“Think of the country first if one wants to be a leader. Do not just think of winning,” Sim added.
He also said that while it is clear Barisan Nasional and Umno wants an early election as it fears waning support should the economy take a hit from an anticipated global recession next year, the “court cluster” of Umno leaders facing graft charges should also be noble enough to sit out the contest until their names are cleared.
PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, meanwhile, said he hoped polling would be held in early November, before the second week of the month.
He said the party and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are prepared to face the polls and urged voters to reject candidates and parties known to have misappropriated funds and have not prioritised the people’s welfare.
He also urged all first-time voters, especially youth, to come out in full force to cast their ballots and also invited people to contribute funds to PH’s campaign.
Another PKR politician, Gan Ay Ling, the incumbent Indera Kayangan assemblywoman in Perlis, urged voters not to heed the racial and religious rhetoric that she expects will be used by some political parties when campaigning.
She said voters must check parties’ and candidates’ track records before voting. – The Vibes, October 10, 2022
