KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional (PN) has linked the timing of the 15th general election (GE15) – likely to be held amid possibly turbulent weather – to the likelihood that certain political parties will benefit from low voter turnout.
PN information chief Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said that diminished voter participation may be a boon for some parties, contributing to their victory in the polls. He said this explains the push for the general election to take place despite the possibility of floods during the year-end period.
“The reality is that there are political parties which do not want to see high voter turnout rates as a lower number of voters will present increased chances for such parties to win (the election),” he said in a statement today.
“This is the real reason why GE15 is being held during the monsoon season (which brings about) the prospect of massive floods.”
The dissolution of Parliament yesterday, declared by now-caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, saw the curtains close on the government jointly formed by PN and Barisan Nasional (BN). According to the constitution, parliamentary polls must be held within 60 days of dissolution.
Azmin, who is also international trade and industry minister in the now-caretaker government, did not refer to any specific party in his assertions on who would benefit from the low turnout.
However, he slammed Umno for failing to consider the worries of the people when it triggered GE15 through the dissolution of Parliament. Ismail Sabri is the vice-president of Umno.
“Current political developments illustrate how Umno has failed to address the needs of the people as citizens face economic recovery and extremely challenging weather conditions,” he said.
He added that the tabling of the federal budget last Friday (October 7) was a mere misuse of time and resources since the move to dissolve Parliament was made just three days after the budget was presented by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
“The tabling of Budget 2023 was in vain as well as a waste of time and resources for the public service sector that had worked hard to prepare the budget,” he lamented.
Azmin also stressed that PN is gearing up to take part in GE15. The coalition comprises Bersatu, PAS and Gerakan.
“PN is not afraid of Umno’s stubbornness and arrogance. We will participate in the election to continue the agendas catered to the people and the nation.”
Yesterday, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan had stated that the dissolution is the best way to resolve the political turmoil stemming from a mixed government.
Prior to the dissolution, all 12 PN ministers had submitted a letter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong expressing their objections to GE15 being held this year.
The matter was confirmed by Bersatu vice-president Datuk Radzi Jidin and PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man on October 5. – The Vibes, October 11, 2022
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