KUALA LUMPUR – The blood of lives lost during floods will be on the hands of Umno Youth if it continues to urge for the 15th general election (GE15) to be held soon, said Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
Speaking to reporters after a brief protest outside the Sogo shopping complex here, he said flood preparations must be prioritised over politics.
“If (politicians and political parties) are too busy politicking to formulate comprehensive plans to address possible floods, the people become a secondary concern.”
Taking aim at Umno Youth, he slammed the wing’s suggestion to hold GE15 prior to the flood season as “irresponsible”.
“Even if GE15 is held right before we are hit by floods, the government will be busy setting up its cabinet instead of taking care of the people.
“They (Umno Youth) are very irresponsible for suggesting an early election. They should be made responsible for the lives lost (during floods).”
Syed Saddiq, who is Muar MP, added that Muda plans to submit to the government a policy plan on flood mitigation.
Earlier this week, Umno Youth chief Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki reportedly urged the government to dissolve Parliament soon to make way for GE15 before the monsoon season starts.
Asyraf’s remarks followed demands by Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who had said the Barisan Nasional lynchpin was willing to wade through floods to campaign if GE15 coincided with the monsoon season.
Organised by Muda, the gathering today saw a turnout of about 70 protesters and nearly 50 police officers, including personnel from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Prior to the speeches at 4pm, Dang Wangi CID chief Nuzulan Mohd Din informed those gathered that they should disperse by 4.45pm.
Also present here today were several DAP leaders, including Pasir Pinji assemblyman Howard Lee as well as Kg Tunku rep Lim Yi Wei.
Meanwhile, Muda central committee member Nurainie Haziqah Shafii lambasted those pushing for an expedited GE15 as being “selfish”, saying such politicians are “crazy” for even considering the idea.
“We demand for the government to not dissolve Parliament until the end of term and immediately show to the people its plans for flood mitigation.”
A man, who claimed to be a flood victim from Baling, took to the stage and pleaded to the government to postpone GE15 and focus on helping the people, many of whom are still traumatised by recent disasters.
“I lost three family members during the floods, and even now, if we hear rain, my family is terrified and will immediately go out to see how high the water level is.
“Please do not hold GE15 now. Help us recover and prepare to face the next flood season instead.” – The Vibes, September 24, 2022
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