Umno’s decision to hold GE15 this year irresponsible

SHAH ALAM - The leadership of political parties in the country including the component parties that formed the current government disagreed with Umno's stance on the date of the 15th General Election (GE15).

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said Umno's stance was seen as irresponsible taking into account the risk of disasters that would face the country in the months leading up to the end of the year.

In fact, Wan Fayhsal, who is also the Deputy Minister of National Unity, claimed that the decision was seen as contrary to the stance of cabinet members, the majority of whom rejected the move to hold a general election in the near future.

"The cabinet makes decisions based on facts. This is because it endangers the lives of not only the people and voters but also the rescue machinery of flood victims such as the police, firefighters and so on," he told Sinar Ahad.

Meanwhile, PKR Central Leadership Council Member who is also the Subang MP Wong Chen said the move to hold a snap general election was clearly an irresponsible act in terms of the management of the government's resources and finances.

"A snap election will result in government money and public service resources that should be better channelled to prepare for flooding to be used for elections," he said.

In addition, Wong Chen said, this year's move to hold GE15 would also affect the preparation of Budget 2023 which was crucial to prepare the country for a possible global economic crisis next year.

Meanwhile, Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) Information Chief Ulya Aqamah Husamudin, said the decision by the Umno’s supreme council proved that the party had never changed and only cares about power over the welfare of the people.

"First, it's not the right time (to have GE15). If we say it a little early, we can still consider, but this is at the end of the year. The budget doesn't even know the direction yet and the flood season is approaching," he explained.

Pas Information Chief Khairil Nizam Khirudin said although the Umno’s supreme council made a decision on the matter, the move to determine the date of GE15 should first be discussed at the cabinet meeting.

"The Minister will decide to be appointed as a form of advice to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. So follow the procedure as in the Federal Constitution and that is enshrined in Article 40(1)," he said.