An opposition MP today asked Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak not to pussyfoot around in announcing the next general election.

“We having been hearing rumours and speculations that the prime minister will dissolve Parliament and call for the 13th general election during the school holidays in May to mid-June,” said Pokok Sena PAS MP Mahfuz Omar.

“In June, the Muslims will be planning for Umrah (pilgrimage), some will be planning to get married - especially those who get married in their kampung, the whole village will be involved,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

NONE Such an announcement coming at the eleventh hour, said Mahfuz ( right ), is an attempt to deny the rakyat their right to participate in the electoral process.

He urged Najib to disclose the date several months earlier, taking into consideration the hardship to the public.

“It is also a problem for others, not just Muslims, families might be planning to take the opportunity to go on a holiday,” he said.

“He doesn’t have to do it for political parties, because we are prepared for it any time,” said Mahfuz.

The Agong’s official birthday celebrations will also be held on the first Saturday of June, said the PAS vice-president, adding that it would “very inappropriate” to campaign during the occasion.

The mid-term holidays are slotted for May 26 to June 10, straddling the time period which most political pundits have forecasted the general polls to be held.

“This just complicates everything for everyone,” he stressed.