Uncertainty of GE15 date affecting economy, says Selayang MP

SHAH ALAM - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob needs to announce the date of the 15th General Election (GE15) because the uncertainty is causing losses to Malaysia's economy.

Selayang MP William Leong Jee Keen said not knowing the date of the election could disrupt economic stability as it will not only make foreign investors lose confidence in Malaysia, but local businessmen would also not be able to make proper planning for their ventures.

The uncertainty, he said was also affecting the lives of the people.

“Now that we don’t know the date, it is affecting everybody even teachers and civil servants because they don’t know the specific date to take leave,” he said.

He said this during a media visit at Sinar Karangkraf, here today.

Leong said although the Malaysian constitution followed that of the British, the latter had made amendments and applied the “fixed term” in which the date of general elections were made known to the public so that all the necessary plannings could be made.

“I agree that the Prime Minister must quickly announce the date for GE15 so the people can plan accordingly,” he said.

He added that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and the Prime Minister’s administration continues to be valid.

He said the MoU was for political stability and with the recurring flood issue, it was more important to prioritise the lives of the people rather than deciding who will be the government.

“How can we have GE15 when the people are suffering?” he said.

Meanwhile on Muda wanting to join PH, he said the move was like a joint venture where in both businesses and politics, there must be gains.

He said for PH to allocate a parliamentary seat for Muda, they must prove to PH their strengths and advantages that they could offer to the alliance.

“This is the approach to discuss with Muda, it must be a win-win situation,” he said.

Besides Leong, Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil was also present during the media visit.

The duo had met with Karangkraf Group chairman Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub and representatives from various departments in the company.