KUALA LUMPUR – Various government agencies met on Monday to discuss a possible general election during the year-end monsoon season, a further indication that Parliament is expected to be dissolved in the coming days.
The matter was confirmed by Deputy Special Functions Minister Datuk Mastura Mohd Yazid (Kuala Kangsar-BN) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
She was responding to a supplementary question from Khoo Poay Tiong (Kota Melaka-PH) on whether the government has obtained the views of the Election Commission (EC) on the possibility of conducting an election amid the flooding.
Addressing the matter, Mastura said the government will take into account the views and information provided by various agencies, including the Meteorological Department, National Disaster Management Agency, Civil Defence Force and the EC, before deciding on a date.
“I am confident that any decision to hold the election is based on the wisdom of the prime minister, who will share his view with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“A special task force on the country’s preparation to face the monsoon season on October 3 chaired by the chief secretary to the government, which I attended, deliberated on the likelihood of elections being conducted during this period.
“The task force will iron out the measures required (to face such an event) and all disaster management assets have been ordered to be optimally ready to face any possibility, should the general election be held during the monsoon season.”
A lawmaker was then heard saying over the microphone that this all but confirms speculations that Parliament will be dissolved in the coming days.
In his question, Khoo said the possibility of elections being held amid a natural disaster is no longer a speculation, going by recent floods in several areas in Melaka and Perak.
“I would like to know if there have been discussions with the EC on the standard operating procedures for election during floods, whether it is suitable, and what are the views of the commission?” he asked.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will have an audience with the Agong this evening, where they are expected to discuss the dissolution of Parliament and the election date. – The Vibes, October 6, 2022
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