GEORGE TOWN – Umno veteran Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff has called on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to intervene in the Melaka political crisis and declare a state of emergency to avoid a snap election.
The long-time Penang Malay Association president told The Vibes that Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah must play a bigger role as politicians are preoccupied with their own survival rather than the people.
“Some politicians seem to have lost the plot. They do not realise that their actions, however meaningful, are unfortunately harming Melaka and the country.”
As only the king is empowered to declare an emergency on the grounds of a heath crisis worsened by political instability, Yussof expressed hope that His Majesty will consider issuing such a decree.
Conducting a state election is asking for another Covid-19 wave, similar to what occurred in Sabah on September 26 last year, he said.
Until now, the country is paying the price for the ignorance of pursuing a state election in the middle of a pandemic, especially when there were no vaccinations available then.
“I think we know what the outcome was. Regardless of who won the polls, the people suffered, with Covid-19 infections and deaths growing tenfold since September last year.”
For Yussof, conducting an election is also pricey.
He estimated that it will cost Melaka and its taxpayers over RM1 million.
“The money we save can be redirected towards helping the poor get back on their feet. Covid-19 has wrecked the lives of the working middle and lower-middle classes.”
The memorandum of understanding inked between the government and opposition pact Pakatan Harapan is an example of how politicians should collaborate and unite in the virus fight and to rebuild the economy, he said.
Meanwhile, alternative political outfit Putra has called on three of the four former Melaka assemblymen who withdrew their support for now caretaker chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali to consider joining the party.
“As they stood up for what they believe to be principled and righteous, Putra wants such individuals in our organisation for it to gain support among the electorate,” said the party’s Melaka chapter information chief Prof Mohd Aluwi Sari in a statement.
He said the three reps from Umno and Bersatu – who have since been either terminated from their party or face similar action – represent integrity and sincerity, traits that voters believe politicians must regain.
Putra was founded by outspoken Malay nationalist Datuk Ibrahim Ali and has plans to contest in the next general election, where it is expected to go up against Barisan Nasional, PH, Bersatu and PAS.
On Monday, the four reps formally withdrew their support for the state leadership, citing a loss of confidence in Sulaiman.
The four are former chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron (Sg Udang-BN), Datuk Nor Azman Hassan (Pantai Kundor-BN), Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee (Pengkalan Batu-independent) and Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad (Telok Mas-Bersatu).
Idris said they have submitted letters retracting their support.
This resulted in the state government led by Sulaiman holding only 13 out of Melaka’s 28 state seats, thus losing majority support.
Melaka PH chief Datuk Adly Zahari is said to have offered an alternative for the governing of the state.
However, Governor Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam opted to dissolve the state assembly, paving the way for an election. – The Vibes, October 7, 2021
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