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KUALA LUMPUR – The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has launched an online petition pleading with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the prime minister to avoid the immediate dissolving of Parliament, which paves the way for a year-end snap election.
In the petition dubbed Tolak UndiBanjir (Reject Flood Elections), the election watchdog asked the Agong and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to prioritise the safety and convenience of the people who would be voting during the monsoon season.
The petition has gained over 1,000 signatures within hours of its launching on Change.org.
Bersih said the “rush” to hold the 15th general election (GE15) in November or December this year is an “irresponsible and reckless act of political self-interest” of certain quarters.
“We urge the prime minister and humbly appeal to the Agong to consider the interest of the rakyat over the narrow interest of a small group of politicians and hold GE15 next year.”
Bersih also said that polls during that period can endanger the lives of voters in many east coast states like Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, and the territories of Sabah and Sarawak, all of which could be affected by floods.
It also said the Meteorological Department had already warned of a wet year-end with storms, heavy rain and floodings in many areas.
“With climate change and extreme weather conditions, even west coast states like Selangor and Kedah could face severe floodings like what they experienced last year,” it said in the petition’s description.
“How can we be ready to face the floods when our police have to look after polling centres instead of saving flood victims and many halls and schools that would be needed as flood relief centres are used as polling centers?” – The Vibes, October 6, 2022