KUALA LUMPUR – When Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob attends an all-important Umno leadership meeting today to discuss the election date, he must do so as a prime minister who represents the voices of 32 million Malaysians, and not just his party.
This was the message by DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng to the prime minister ahead of the Umno top five’s conclave this evening, as well as a Supreme Council meeting later tonight, amid speculations that Parliament would be dissolved by next month.
In a statement, Lim said it is incumbent on Ismail Sabri to prioritise the people’s interests, well-being, welfare, safety, and security over and above the selfish and private political interests of Umno leaders pushing for elections by the end of the year, coinciding with the monsoon season.
“The rakyat cannot be put at risk and in danger to satisfy the political whims and fancies of self-serving, dishonest politicians.
“This is a good opportunity for Ismail Sabri to deliver as prime minister by holding the general election next year and leave a lasting impression that he is willing to stand up to his political bosses in Umno, because he ultimately serves his real bosses – the people of Malaysia.”
Speculations have been rife that elections will be held in November, with Parliament expected to be dissolved in the immediate days following the Budget 2023 tabling on October 7, amid strong pressure from Umno top guns on Ismail Sabri.
The rumoured move has already riled up the opposition, who are accusing Umno of putting lives on the line by holding the elections during the monsoon period when efforts should be focused on the flood.
Lim said a statement yesterday by the Meteorological Department that the nation will go through a monsoon transition phase from October 3 until the end of November should serve as a reminder to Ismail Sabri to put the people first.
“The government has a basic duty to allow voters to cast their ballot papers at polling stations in an orderly, safe, secure, and calm environment. A willingness to wade through floodwaters to vote and campaign, as suggested by Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, is shameful and not befitting a wakil rakyat (elected representative).”
In an earlier statement today, Zahid hit back at critics, claiming that even in the event of Parliament’s dissolution, Ismail Sabri can still carry out his duties as he will still serve as the caretaker prime minister.
This means that he is able to discharge his official duties as usual to ensure the government continues to function, Zahid said, adding that Ismail Sabri can still conduct official meetings, including chairing National Disaster Management Agency meetings.
“In terms of power and control over flood matters, the prime minister still has the authority. He still has huge power as per convention in Commonwealth countries.”
Zahid also argued that holding the elections at the end of the year does not necessarily mean it will be conducted while the nation is facing floods.
“God willing, it will be held before (the floods hit),” he said, adding that the July floods in Baling and in Batu Pahat and Pontian earlier this month prove that floods could happen at any time.
Zahid added that the opposition’s constant push to hold off the elections until next year was due to their need for more time to woo voters. – The Vibes, September 30, 2022
