PAS describes GE13 delay as a 'democratic crime'
The prime minister has committed a "democratic crime" in postponing the calling of the 13th general election after the five-year mandate of Parliament lapsed on March 8, PAS vice-president Mahfuz Omar says.
The prime minister has committed a "democratic crime" in postponing the calling of the 13th general election after the five-year mandate of Parliament lapsed on March 8, PAS vice-president Mahfuz Omar says.
Although the mandate has ended, the Pokok Sena MP said, the Najib Abdul Razak administration has yet to return the power to the people to elect a new government.
"I consider it a democratic crime committed by the BN to ensure that it stays in power," Mahfuz (
right
) said at a press conference held at the PAS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
On another matter, he called on the government to give full explanation on the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone), as some people were saying this was done to prevent BN from losing more seats in the state in the coming election.
"Is the Esszone set up to prevent the loss of BN seats?" Mahfuz asked. He stressed that while he supported the zone for security purposes, it should not be used to stem democracy.
Najib had on March 25 announced the formation of the Esszone , covering 10 districts in Sabah - Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau.
The zone was set up following firefights between intruders from southern Philippines and security forces which resulted in a death toll of around 70 over the past few weeks.
Different camps in Kedah
Asked about the situation within PAS Kedah, Mahfuz admitted the existence of different camps in the state PAS, but claimed it would not disrupt Pakatan Rakyat's preparations for the general election.
The PAS vice-president said the different opinions expressed were directed at improving the state administration in serving the people.
"All the differences in the party are due to the leaders there working to improve the Kedah administration.
"They are clean of corrupt practices," Mahfuz said of the differing opinions between Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan Razak and Kedah PAS deputy commissioner I Phahrolrazi Zawawi, both of whom do not see eye-to-eye on a number of issues.
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