A PROPOSAL by certain quarters to postpone the Melaka and Johor state elections has sparked serious questions, particularly as it is being linked to global economic uncertainty arising from geopolitical conflict.
PAS Melaka Information Chief Ahmad Bilal Rahudin said the suggestion appears to have emerged at a time when current political momentum indicates a noticeable shift in public support.
He said recent developments point to the possibility of parties in government, especially UMNO, facing a significant reduction in seats.
"At the same time, support for DAP and PKR, particularly among Chinese voters, is also seen to be declining following dissatisfaction with the current economic situation and administration.
"The reason given to support the postponement of the state elections is global economic uncertainty due to geopolitical conflict.
"However, this reason raises serious questions when compared with the stance taken by the same parties during the state of emergency in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic," he said in a statement on Facebook.
Earlier, Pontian Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan was reported as saying he would bring a motion to postpone the Johor and Melaka state elections to the UMNO Supreme Council meeting scheduled for Friday in Melaka, citing the West Asian geopolitical crisis.
He said that from a political logic standpoint, it would not be feasible to hold elections amid geopolitical uncertainty and the hardships currently faced by the public.
Commenting further on the emergency implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ahmad Bilal said the move had been heavily criticised and labelled as a political strategy to safeguard the government.
"Yet today, the proposal to delay elections in a situation where the country is stable and without major restrictions creates the perception that the move carries a similar political motive," he said.
He stressed that the current situation cannot be equated with the pandemic era.
According to him, the country’s administrative system is now functioning as normal, without the need for movement controls or bans on public gatherings.
"Therefore, any effort to postpone the state elections under these circumstances can be seen as an attempt to avoid public judgement of the government’s performance.
"In a democratic country, the people’s mandate is fundamental. The right of the people to choose their leaders should not be restricted on unreasonable grounds," he said.
He added that the state elections should proceed as scheduled to ensure that democratic processes are respected and the voice of the people is preserved.
"Leadership with integrity should be prepared to be tested before the people, not seek reasons to delay the process," he said. - April 16, 2026
