KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun (pic) believes holding the election now will put an end to the political uncertainty surrounding the nation.
“Going by the political turbulence and instability over the last two years, no one can predict the future of politics in this country.
“So we might as well put an end to all these political uncertainties by having GE15 now, with a hope that a new, stable government will emerge,” said the Sabah Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia deputy chief and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) secretary-general.
Sabah Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Christina Liew, said that the rakyat’s calls not to hold the election this year were unheeded.
“The entire country has been put on alert to avoid a flood catastrophe, so this should be the focus right now,” said Liew, the incumbent Tawau MP, adding heavy rain has caused floods and landslides in the state.
“Victims are being evacuated and the situation is worsening. How do we expect election workers to be on the ground in an unfavourable environment?” she questioned.
Liew said the party’s candidates would do their utmost best, regardless of the situation.
Sabah DAP chief Datuk Frankie Poon said the dissolution was not totally unexpected.
“My main concern is whether voters will be able to go out to vote because of the monsoon season – if not then, it’s not very democratic,” he said.
Poon said DAP and Pakatan were all geared up for GE15.
Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, however, said dissolving Parliament has removed the uncertainties that were distracting the work of the government and causing hesitation in the economic sector.
Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, whose party Parti Cinta Sabah had applied to join GRS, said he had not decided if he would contest in GE15. Anifah is a former Kimanis MP.
Ismail Sabri earlier on Monday said that the King had given his formal consent to dissolve Parliament, paving the way for GE15 to be held within 60 days.