Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi denies claims the government fears defeat in Melaka and Johor state elections, stating the power to dissolve assemblies lies with the rulers.
DUNGUN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed a claim by Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that the Unity Government plans to delay state elections in Melaka and Johor out of fear of defeat.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also UMNO president, said the former prime minister should not assume the current administration would act in the same way as the government did under his leadership.
“Muhyiddin should not assume that others will do what he did before,” he told reporters after officiating the opening of the Dungun Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) here today.
He was responding to remarks by Muhyiddin, who reportedly suggested that any move to postpone the elections would be driven by concerns over waning public support.
The issue arose after Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong was reported to have proposed a delay to ease the burden on voters facing rising living costs linked to the global energy crisis.
Ahmad Zahid stressed that there is no question of postponing the state polls in Melaka and Johor as the dissolution of state legislative assemblies rests with the respective rulers.
“The decision lies with the Governor (of Melaka) and the Regent (of Johor), as well as His Majesty the King of Malaysia, as the power to dissolve the assemblies rests with them,” he added.
