The Malaysian Insight

THERE is no need to hold an election any time soon as the number of Covid-19 cases nationwide is still high, said Pejuang protem president and Jerlun MP Mukhriz Mahathir.

According to Mukhriz, a change of government can still take place at any time during this parliamentary term without an election.

“In our view, we should not be going for snap polls at the moment. Let the parliament term end (in 2023). There is no need to subject the people to the dangers of Covid-19.

“However, if we want to change the government, it can still be done as long as there are enough numbers,” he said in a press conference today.

Mukhriz added that his party feared there would be a further spike in Covid-19 cases if elections were held before the virus was curtailed.

“We are hearing rumours that the polls will be held soon, but the government will have to end the state of emergency first.

“Yet, for that to happen, Covid-19 cases must come down to a level with which we are comfortable,” he said.

In the press conference, Mukhriz also announced the latest additions to the Pejuang leadership: Ulya Aqamah Husamudin as the information chief; Pejuanita chair Che Asmah Ibrahim; Pejuang Youth chief Abu Hafiz Saleh Hudin; Pejuanita Youth chief Nurul Ashikin Mabahwi; while Marzuki Yahya was appointed deputy president.

On January 12, the government declared a state emergency until August 1, ostensibly to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said everything will function as normally, except that Parliament and state assemblies had been suspended.

He also said elections would not be held during the emergency, adding that he would immediately call for an election as soon as the pandemic had been brought under control and the emergency ended.

The opposition has said the emergency was an excuse for Muhyiddin to hold on to power. – February 15, 2021.