GE15 to cost more than RM1.5 billion

SHAH ALAM – The government might have to bear costs of more than RM1.5 billion if the 15th General Election (GE15) is held this year.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the cabinet meeting on Wednesday was informed that the cost to hold GE15 has increased due to the refusal of six state governments to dissolve the state legislative assembly in line with the dissolution of Parliament if the government wished to continue to dissolve the Dewan Rakyat this year.

“Six states have informed of their refusal to dissolve the state legislative assembly if the government wants to dissolve the Parliament during this monsoon season.

“So, there is the issue of the RM1.01 billion in costs that will be borne by the government if we want to hold the general election at the same time for all parliamentary and state assembly constituencies across the country.

“However, if there are six states that refuse to dissolve the state legislative assembly at the same time, the cost will increase because each dewan will automatically be dissolved when it reaches its maturity period.

“The cabinet was informed that the overall cost of GE15 including all parliamentary constituencies and the six state assembly elections held separately may reach RM1.5 billion," he told Sinar Premium.

He was commenting on media reports that claimed that the cabinet meeting last Wednesday was said to be a tensed one as it was believed that the cabinet had failed to reach a consensus to hold GE15 this year.

Citing a cabinet minister who wished to remain anonymous, a news report stated that ministers from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and Pas were among those who objected to the proposal of holding the election, this year.

Wan Junaidi added that the RM1.5 billion cost included all 222 parliamentary seats and did not include the states of Johor, Melaka and Sarawak which have just held the state elections.

The six states that refused to dissolve the state assembly were Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah which were ruled by Pas and Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan which were administered by Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Wan Junaidi however denied that there was tension in the cabinet meeting last Wednesday.

"It is inaccurate to say that anyone or a representative of any party opposed the proposal to dissolve Parliament and hold GE15 in the near future.

"Actually, what was brought up during the meeting was that members of the cabinet hoped that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob could inform and discuss with each other first (party leaders) before going to see and advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the dissolution of Parliament.

"The Prime Minister never said he agreed to dissolve Parliament at any time.

"Discussions during the cabinet meeting did not make a decision or set a specific date or time for the Prime Minister to meet the King," he said.

Earlier, Wan Junaidi said the cabinet meeting went on as usual even though the duration was quite long from 9.30am until after 1pm.

In the meeting, more than 20 cabinet papers, memorandums and dozens of notes were presented.

He said the main focus of the meeting was on the flood disaster preparation and management by relevant government agencies.

In fact, he said the discussion was not only about which minister would be responsible but all ministries would be involved including the Education Ministry, the Home Ministry, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, the Housing Development Ministry, the local government and many more.

The meeting, he said also discussed the authority of district officials during floods and the distribution of food to flood victims at evacuation centres.

"In the meeting, we also emphasised on the welfare of the people and the need to save flood victims. We discussed that the most,” he said.

Wan Junaidi confirmed that members of the cabinet raised about GE15 following certain parties insisting that the Prime Minister apply to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to allow the election to be held as soon as possible.

"There are members of the cabinet who raised on the legal requirement and the power of the Prime Minister to appear before and advise the King to dissolve Parliament soon.

"This matter was discussed in depth at the meeting because many ministers, including myself, are legal practitioners and lawyers.

"I myself was also asked to give my opinion as the minister responsible for law and Parliament regarding the proposal.

"So, there are many stories about GE15 to be held in the near future," he said.