Umno ignoring public opinion to hold GE15 during floods, says political scientist

Political scientist Chandra Muzaffar told Sinar Daily that the elections are being held despite objection from Bersatu and Pas who are part of the government.

Chandra also question if Umno's insistence was linked to court cases of the party members, especially party President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“Such determined pride (for Umno) to hold elections so soon because after all, between this year and the months of May, June and July next year are not that long. So why would Umno want to do this?” he questioned.

When asked whether the upcoming GE15 would be Umno’s strategy to make Zahid the prime minister, he said that would be something that Umno could do.

“The judiciary has shown that they are capable of defending its independence. So regardless of the outcome of the elections, the judiciary should continue to uphold the independence of the institution,” he said.

He also hoped that the judiciary would stick to its decisions and not succumb to any political pressure.

“And I don’t think they will (succumb to pressure),” he said.