KUALA LUMPUR – The fact that several Umno leaders are openly pushing for a snap federal election became a hot topic in the Dewan Rakyat today, with the party being accused by some quarters of overstepping the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who was in the lower House to witness the brief commotion, opted to sidestep questions as several lawmakers locked horns over the matter.
The row transpired when Deputy Law Minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (Masjid Tanah-Bersatu) was winding up the royal address for her ministry, during which, she commended the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the government and Pakatan Harapan (PH) for bringing political stability.
Datuk Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena-PH), however, said that despite the decree by the Agong for stability, some within Umno appear to be blatantly disregarding it when it triggered the recent Melaka and Johor elections.
The Amanah lawmaker went on to point out that the ongoing Umno general assembly has also seen several party leaders pushing for the dissolution of Parliament.
Among those openly urging for a snap election was Puteri Umno chief Datuk Zahida Zarik Khan, who said the party’s momentum to regain victory in the 15th general election should not be stifled.
Mahfuz also named Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his number two Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan as among those who have been calling for early polls.
“We see today in PWTC, how they are pushing for a dissolution. The president and deputy also appear as though they are trying to seize the power of the Agong. I hope the prime minister ignores them.”
Mas Ermieyati responded by saying she is a firm believer that Ismail Sabri is a person who adheres to the promise made in the MoU to ensure stability, and that the prime minister will not only listen to his party but the views of the opposition as well.
Gobind Singh Deo (Puchong-PH), seeing that Ismail Sabri was in the House, then proposed that the latter be given the opportunity to express his personal view on this matter.
Donning a red batik, Ismail Sabri then stood up and replied, “I did not hear the debates, so I don’t want to comment on something I didn’t hear.”
Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub (Machang-BN), who did not take too kindly to Mahfuz’s earlier accusation that Umno is superseding the powers of the Agong, slammed the Amanah MP, telling him to mind his own business.
Dismissing Mahfuz’s remarks as baseless, he urged the Amanah MP to withdraw his statement, while pointing out that whatever was said by Umno leaders are not final until they are passed in its annual assembly.
“Umno is a big party compared to Amanah. If you have only even been on a small boat and not a big one, that’s where the difference comes in. To me, the general assembly will decide (Umno’s stand).
“Also, a number of Umno leaders and MPs do not have a problem with Bera being the prime minister, and not everyone is pushing for early polls. And the claim that we are overstepping the Agong is too much.”
Earlier, Ismail Sabri told reporters on the sidelines of the Umno general assembly that any matter pertaining to the general election will be discussed within the party.
He said that at present, the party has yet to initiate discussions, adding that he had not received any official motion, including from the wings, calling for a snap election.
“Tonight, we have a special Supreme Council meeting. We will see then,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama. – The Vibes, March 17, 2022
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