GE15 only way to resolve political uncertainty: Ahmad Maslan

KUALA LUMPUR – The dissolution of Parliament is the best way to resolve political turmoil stemming from a mixed government, said Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. 

Lamenting the evident lack of support from parties that formed the outgoing Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob-led government, Ahmad slammed such moves as being disrespectful to Barisan Nasional (BN) and its linchpin Umno.

He also ostensibly referenced Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s assertion last month that BN is the coalition’s “main enemy”. 

“Declaring Umno and BN as its (PN’s) main enemy has only emphasised how there is no trust or respect towards Umno, which is helming the government,” he said in a press conference after the Umno Supreme Council meeting at its headquarters here late last night. 

The dissolution of Parliament yesterday, announced by caretaker prime minister Ismail Sabri, saw the curtains close on the government jointly formed by BN and PN. 

On October 5, Bersatu vice-president Datuk Radzi Jidin and PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man confirmed that all PN ministers had sent a letter to Istana Negara stating that they are against GE15 being held this year.

Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had subsequently condemned the letter, claiming that “party-hopping” PN ministers are afraid of facing the wrath of voters they had previously “betrayed”. 

Meanwhile, Ahmad also said that Umno shares the same view with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who had expressed his disappointment with the current political climate forcing the dissolution of Parliament. 

“The country cannot be left in an unstable political situation,” he said.

“The mandate must be returned to the people so that voters can elect a government which can ensure political harmony and national prosperity.”

Following the dissolution of Parliament yesterday, comptroller of the royal household of Istana Negara Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah is disappointed with the political status quo, leaving the ruler with no choice but to consent to the prime minister’s request to dissolve Parliament.

Besides that, Ahmad said that Umno will leave it up to the Election Commission to determine the best date for the 15th general election (GE15). 

“Umno believes that GE15 can be held before the middle of November, which is before the flooding and monsoon season.” – The Vibes, October 11, 2022