BERA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he is in no rush to call for the 15th General Election(GE15) as there is still “unfinished business” including steering the nation out of the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuring political stability.

The Umno vice-president said he had no intention to delay the polls to hold on to power as the prime minister, however, he has a major task to look into the needs of the people of various races including those living in rural areas.

“If we dissolve the parliament, we (Umno) have to be well-prepared to ensure victory. Going into a war ill-prepared will certainly cause problems. Are we really prepared (for GE15)? That is why I say, be patient.

“One of the conditions to call for an election is that we have to be fully-prepared. A few Umno state liaison committee chairmen informed me that they were still not ready. We have to ensure everything is in order before announcing it, ” he said in his speech when opening the Bera Wanita Umno, Youth and Puteri delegates meeting at Bera convention hall here today.

Ismail Sabri, who is the Bera Umno division chairman, said the Barisan Nasional (BN) landslide victory in the Melaka election on Nov 20 should not be used as a yardstick to gauge the people’s support and seen as a “green light” to call for GE15.

He said despite the win, Umno only saw a one per cent increase in popular votes and were fortunate that the supporters from other parties (opposition) did not come out to vote.

“The Melaka election recorded an overall voter turnout of 65 per cent and the Chinese community recorded a 50 per cent turn out — this was our advantage in Melaka. Furthermore, the Umno election machinery from around the country was deployed to assist in Melaka.

“The results in Melaka cannot be a benchmark. During a general election all the states will have their own responsibility to work hard to ensure victory in their constituencies. The Melaka scenario cannot be applied during the general election so calls for it to be held soon has to be scrutinised,” he said.

He stressed that there was still a lot of work to be done, particularly in ensuring political stability.

“Political stability is vital as uncertainties will prevent people (investors) from coming into the country. That is why I introduced the Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) concept which ensures inclusiveness for all Malaysians. When I first took office, I pledged to solve the economic and health crises, that has yet to be achieved and I have a lot more to do.

“I need the support from everyone including my party to help solve the people’s problems. However, there seems to be never-ending to politicking. Ssome have no responsibility in the government but I have a huge task not only to serve Umno members but also all Malaysians,” he said.

Ismail Sabri said calls for snap elections would also jeopardise the plans tabled during the 2022 Budget as the allocations could only be utilised next year.

“Numerous allocations tabled during the 2022 Budget will be spent next year and if we decide to have the general election early next year, then the budget cannot be rolled out and the plans cannot be implemented. The people are eagerly waiting for its implementation with various initiatives including for the benefit of the rural folks,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said in a meeting with chief editors from media organisations during his visit to Indonesia last month, he was informed that the neighbouring country now enjoyed political stability while Malaysia appeared to be politically in “disarray”.

“They mentioned that Indonesia was once facing political turmoil and were once impressed with Malaysia’s political stability when Tun (Dr Mahathir Mohamed) served for 22 years while Datuk Seri Najib Razak served for nine years.

“Now, it is the opposite. Indonesia is stable while Malaysia has seen three prime ministers in a single term. Three different prime ministers have met Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo and I am not sure if there will be further changes before 2023.” he said. – NST

by T.N Alagesh

credit photo: SuaraPerak