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SINGAPORE – Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin told reporters in Singapore today that Malaysia has to consider three main factors before calling for a general election, while noting the timing is entirely the prerogative of the prime minister.
The three factors that he listed are the country’s readiness in terms of public health, the momentum of economic recovery and political considerations.
Khairy, who has been on a four-day visit to the city-state from Tuesday as a Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellow, said this when asked on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s statement yesterday that he “will not delay, even for a second”, the dissolution of Parliament “once BN (Barisan Nasional) is fully prepared”.
“We have to look out for new variants…to know the waves of infection. Right now it is okay, but I need to be confident that this can be sustained,” Khairy explained regarding public health.
On economic recovery, he said Malaysia is lucky in the sense that it is a producing country, even though it is currently confronted with some inflationary pressure.
“We have palm oil...we have some engines of growth that are pushing the economy forward…so we want to get economic momentum there,” said Khairy.
On political considerations, the Rembau MP said BN itself should be ready to face the election before calling for polls.
“We need to make sure that BN is ready. It is not just the country is ready, there has to be a conducive environment for elections,” he said, adding that the entire context of recovery has to be looked at in preparing for an election.
On the timing for the general election, Khairy reiterated that recovery in both the economy and public health is very important.
“There has to be momentum. We (are) just starting to see the start of the recovery. And secondly, is there any real big urgency to have the election? I don’t think so. Of course, many people say political stability. Decisive victory. Yes, but, what’s the difference between this year and next year?
Khairy also sent a strong message to those calling for an immediate election.
“I don’t think those wanting the elections are the ones who are thinking about preparing the election machinery and the resources...with the right people...with the right slate of candidates to contest in the general election.
“It is not a state election. This is (a) general election. This is serious, and I think (the) PM is well aware that we need time to ready ourselves for both the country, as well as the party.
“My message to people (and) also our party leaders, who say we should have an election now, we respect your views...but stay in your lane...calling for an election is the prime minister’s lane...you’re not in that lane,” he said. – Bernama, June 2, 2022