Pros and cons of holding GE15

GEORGE TOWN: The later the 15th General Election (GE15) is called, the better it is for the opposition to position themselves, a political observer said.

Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said, even though the current government was labelled as weak and there had been calls for some ministers to resign, the opposition ironically, wanted them to remain.

“That is interesting because in March 2020, many said we can have it (the general election) during the Covid-19 pandemic, but now say floods are worse (to hold a GE),” he told the New Straits Times.

He was asked on the pros and cons of holding the GE15 now.

According to Sivamurugan, a general election was usually held six months ahead of the end of the ongoing term.

He said the ruling party had always had the advantage to decide according to their own reading if the votes would swing to them.

“If they have it now, it can lead to political fatigue and decrease in the voter turn-out, which always benefited Barisan Nasional.

“At the same time, holding GE15 now can also lead to misperception as though they are more interested to win rather than deal with problems such as floods.

“To delay will also allow the opposition to strengthen their pact,” he added.

“I don’t think Umno wants to go into GE15 to lose. They are more confident to win, with better results,” he said when asked on how all this would end up for Umno.

Talks have been rife for GE15 to be held after the tabling of the 2023 Budget on Oct 7.

The Umno supreme council had decided that the GE15 must be held this year during its recent meeting.

NST