Minister: RM2b for elections if GE15, state polls not in sync

The dissolution and holding of separate parliamentary and state elections would only double the cost up to RM2 billion, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Mustapa Mohamed.

He said this would impact the country’s economic recovery process.

“The sharp cost increase will occur as over RM1 billion is needed to conduct a general election.

“It could also influence the outstation voters’ decision on whether to return twice to their hometown to vote or otherwise.”

Mustapa said this to reporters today at the Dato’ Pa Service Centre in Bukit Nangka in Kelantan.

He was there handing out contributions to school students in the Jeli parliamentary constituency who excelled in the SPM, STPM, and STAM examinations.

Mustapa, who is also the MP for Jeli, said if two (parliamentary and state) elections were to be held separately, the focus would be more on politics than on economic recovery.

“This will certainly burden the people and disturb the economic recovery process and political stability as all parties will be campaigning; putting up election posters, holding ceramah, and so on.

“The important thing now is economic recovery after our fight against Covid-19,” he added.

PAS has previously said it would not be dissolving the legislative assembly in the states under its administration if Parliament were to be dissolved this year.

More rains expected

Meanwhile, Environment and Water Minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said it is not suitable to hold the 15th general election (GE15) this year as heavy rains and floods are expected to occur in mid-November.

Tuan Ibrahim, who is the PAS deputy president, said based on the recent weather forecast by the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the country will receive more rainfall in mid-November than in any other month.

“It’s not suitable to hold a general election now. If it’s still being held, the police have to guard the ballot boxes, how are they going to ensure the safety of the people who are affected by the flood disaster?

“Furthermore, there are not enough police officers to accommodate all this,” he said.

He spoke to reporters after launching the national-level World Rivers Day celebration and the 90th anniversary of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage in Lembangan Sungai Muda in Sungai Petani, Kedah, today.

- Bernama

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