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GEORGE TOWN – Voters must teach Umno a lesson and make it “more painful than the last,” Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid said, following news that Umno has persuaded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to dissolve Parliament for the 15th general election (GE15) to be held this year.
Syerleena, who is also Penang DAP assistant publicity secretary, said Umno is pushing for a monsoon season election to suppress voter turnout and increase its chances of victory.
“Four years ago, in an election held on a Wednesday, the nation punished Umno-Barisan Nasional for their crimes. Apparently, such lessons are now forgotten and Umno continues to erroneously think that Malaysians can be bullied once again.
“The arrogance and apathy portrayed will only fuel the fire of reforms – Malaysians must unite and chasten those who continue to hold the people’s mandate in contempt. Teach them a lesson and may it be more painful than the last,” she said in a statement.
Holding elections during floods, she added, will bring more misery due to the level of destruction.
Opposition to holding elections during the monsoon season is not about winning or losing, but more about public safety and safeguarding properties from widespread damage, she also said.
She said the Umno “top five” that includes Ismail Sabri and which reached a consensus on dissolving Parliament so that polls can be held this year, are guilty of “disregarding logic and sound judgement” by wanting to push ahead with holding GE15 this year.
"While a majority of Malaysians have expressed concerns, the top five seemingly do not care at all. This further proves their illogical arrogance, and their hunger to hold on to power being the main motivation. Doing what is best for the rakyat is just mere lip service that lacks any sincerity,” Syerleena said.
Last night, the Umno Supreme Council said it had agreed that Parliament be dissolved very soon in order for GE15 to be held this year. Ismail Sabri is therefore to present a suitable date to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the dissolution.
This was also the consensus of the party’s top five which besides Ismail Sabri, who is a vice-president, also comprises president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, and vice-presidents Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. – The Vibes, October 1, 2022