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KUALA LUMPUR – The dissolution of Parliament, nine months ahead of its full term, has triggered much outcry from many netizens, who took to Twitter to vent their frustrations with the early polls.
Announced by caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob earlier today, the dissolution comes amid much protest from ostensibly concerned citizens who have urged the government to prioritise flood preparation measures over the holding of the 15th general election (GE15).
However, the apparent dismissal of their worries has not deterred some voters, with Twitter user @ChrystianVII declaring that he is willing to wade through floodwaters to exercise his right to vote.
Kalau lah it requires me to swim to my polling station to cast my vote.
— Chrystian 郑定峰 (Spill The Teh) (@ChrystianVII) October 10, 2022
I’ll swim and make sure the ex Kerajaan Zalim doesn’t get back in power.
Jahanam punya @IsmailSabri60 dan parti dia tu.#GE15 #BencanaNasional #BanjirNasional #UndiBanjir #PenyuTakBertelor
“If it requires me to swim to my polling station to cast my vote, I’ll swim and make sure that the former cruel government doesn’t get back in power,” he said, attaching the trending hashtag #UndiBanjir (flood votes) in reference to how the GE15 voting period coincides with the flood season.
The hashtag, which has steadily been gaining traction since rumours began circulating about GE15 being called while the nation faces the wrath of the monsoon season, saw a surge in popularity after Ismail Sabri’s announcement today.
Another user, @cestmeow, also called on the public to hold accountable politicians who are pushing for GE15 to be held while the nation faces dangerous weather conditions.
Remember who's forcing you to vote at the height of monsoon season, Malaysia. Remember who monopolized rescue boats for photo ops. Remember who thinks some people can defer paying billion ringgit income taxes. See you at the polls. https://t.co/Bx2vG1Juvl
— Mellon (@cestmeow) October 10, 2022
“Remember who’s forcing you to vote at the height of the monsoon season, Malaysia. “Remember who monopolised rescue boats for photo ops.
“Remember who thinks some people can defer paying billion-ringgit income taxes. See you at the polls,” they said.
A Twitter user going by the handle @loka_ng took the opportunity to point out that besides the anticipated surge in water levels, the Election Commission (EC) should also bear in mind how Deepavali festivities are just around the corner.
Other than the anticipated flood #UndiBanjir, for the nomination and polling dates, @sprgovmy need to take into consideration the Deepavali festival and two royal birthdays in the 1st and 2nd weeks of Nov.
— Loka SK Ng 黄世界 (@loka_ng) October 10, 2022
Tagging the official EC Twitter account, he noted that next month will see two royal birthdays and subsequent public holidays – Sultan of Perak on November 4 and Sultan of Kelantan on November 11.
Incumbent Ipoh Barat MP M. Kula Segaran had expressed similar views in a statement today, calling the dissolution a “decimation of the interest of minorities” which failed to consider Hindus in the country.
While numerous users have posted content on voter advocacy and the preparations that voters should undertake to ensure that their voting process goes smoothly, Twitter user @rahmahghazali lamented her ostensible resignation at the situation.
I have very little trust in our postal voting system but I can’t afford to go back to Malaysia to vote in person. And is it worth it? Why do we need to keep voting knowing full well that there will be a possibility that we could get screwed over again? Nangis. #GE15
— Rahmah Ghazali (@rahmahghazali) October 10, 2022
“I have very little trust in our postal voting system but I can’t afford to go back to Malaysia to vote in person.
“Is it worth it? Why do we need to keep voting knowing full well that there will be a possibility that we could get screwed over again?” she questioned.
Meanwhile, over on Facebook, several users expressed their ardent support of Ismail Sabri’s announcement while wishing his coalition, Barisan Nasional (BN), the best in the upcoming elections.
Urging the people to respect the incumbent prime minister, a user by the name of Hairani Abd Karim said that the people should take into account the “difficult” position Ismail Sabri is in.
Besides thanking Ismail Sabri for his service towards the nation, user Mohd Zuki also described the Umno vice-president as “one of the best leaders” while user Chee Siang sent his well wishes to BN as “the nation needs a stable government”. – The Vibes, October 10, 2022
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