2022 the best time to hold G15, experts say

SHAH ALAM - Political analysts say this year is the best time to hold the 15th General Election (GE15) as members of the public are in 'good mood' since many of their demands have been met by the government.

Political Analyst from Universiti Malaya Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said economic factors can no longer be used as an excuse to postpone the election, given that it was a global problem that would take time to recover.

In fact, he said, now is the appropriate time to achieve political stability by gaining a full mandate from the people.

“Now is the right time to dissolve the Parliament. Despite the economy being volatile, but at least it would not cause the chosen government to be unstable until it concerns the people," he told Sinar Harian.

Dr Tawfik was responding to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s hint that GE15 would take place anytime soon.

Speaking in conjunction with the Barisan Nasional (BN) Convention at the World Trade Center, Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, Ismail Sabri said that once BN is ready, he would not delay GE15, not even for a second.

Meanwhile, political analyst Dr Jeniri Amir said the election could be held when the ruling party, BN, felt it was the best time and was in favour.

He explained this was not a matter of selfishness but a matter of victory because the ruling party needed a large number of seats to create political stability.

"Election is not seen as a factor although there is no denying the issue of sustenance cost is essential now. I think the Prime Minister is also aware of whether he can guarantee that inflation will go down a year from now?

"Therefore, the sooner we handle this, the better. Investors will not want to invest if we do not resolve the political uncertainty, "he explained.

Political Analyst from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Dr Md Shukri Shuib also agreed and stated this was the appropriate time for the ruling party to win the election.

He said, even if the Prime Minister had the exclusive power to determine the date of the election, but for the party, the suitable date is when the chances of winning are greater.

"If the momentum is now in favour of BN, elections need to be held now. That's why I feel it will be a negotiated election, in which even the Prime Minister has power, but he needs to get ‘blessings’ from the party leadership, ”he said.

Deputy Director of the Research Institute Ethnicity, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Professor Dr Kartini Aboo Talib also said the dissolution of Parliament would only take place on the advice of the Prime Minister and as approved by the Parliament.

This means, she said, it was a collective decision by all members of Parliament.

“I think the Prime Minister wants to wait until the maturity date of five years before holding GE15. The method of and process of election is through dissolution of Parliament, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

“Other indications can only be seen as a ‘flavour enhancer’ such as the economic situation and inflation.

“It is better for GE15 to be held now than to wait longer, or they can wait until there are solutions to inflation situation so that the people are confident with the government. This is a strategy to get votes," she explained.