Suicidal to hold snap general election at this time

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It is shocking that Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan has found it appropriate to propose that a snap general election be held as quickly as possible, ostensibly, as a means to resolve the political instability that has engulfed the nation.

I do not contest the fact that the Perikatan National government, with its slimmest of numbers, has no moral legitimacy to remain in office. But the question is whether the people ought to be exposed to the coronavirus in the chaotic mass mobilisation of voters in a general election. For reference, we only need to look at what happened in the snap Sabah state election.

Considering the overwhelming Umno divisional resolve not to cooperate with Bersatu, would Umno leaders be emboldened to call for a snap general election out of political expediency, without considering the safety of the people?

A snap general election, without the proven efficacy of a Covid vaccine, would be suicidal, in my view. With a vaccination programme projected to be put in place only in February 2021, it would be foolhardy to hold a snap general election before a vaccination programme has shown positive results.

K Veeriah is a veteran trade unionist based in Bukit Mertajam, Penang

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

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