Klang MP demands EC to reveal 'flood GE15' plan

As the 15th general election (GE15) looms following Umno’s decision that it must be held this year, Klang MP Charles Santiago wants to know the plan should polling day occur during floods.

In a letter sent today to the Election Commission (EC), he expressed his concern over the timing of the election as it would coincide with the monsoon season.

He noted that the authorities have warned of flood risk, especially in low-lying areas on the west coast of the peninsula.

The parliamentarian said his constituency, which is on the west coast, was badly hit by floods during last year’s monsoon season, and he estimated over 107,000 voters will be affected in the event of floods this year.

“During last year’s incident, 28 out of 56 polling districts within the Klang parliamentary constituency were affected by a really bad flood situation,” Charles said.

Following this, he called for the commission to explain its contingency plans should GE15 be held during floods.

He also listed eight queries for the EC to answer regarding the matter, including what the authorities would do to assist voters who cannot go out to cast their ballot.

“Given that many schools are designated as polling centres and also as temporary evacuation shelters during floods, what would happen if the two coincide?

“What is EC’s plan if a polling centre is inundated? Would the voters be redirected to another polling centre?

“How would EC transport the ballot boxes should roads be closed? How would the commission ensure that the boxes are safe and not tampered with if vehicles transporting them are stuck in flood?” he asked.

Charles also asked the EC if it has any plan to address the mobilisation of polling and counting agents, or Paca, who are supposed to represent election candidates at each polling station.

Show update or oppose Umno’s plans

Meanwhile, DAP’s Ayer Keroh assemblyperson Kerk Chee Yee urged Malacca BN to show how it plans to handle the flood crisis or oppose the Umno leadership’s plan to dissolve Parliament and call for an election during the monsoon season.

“The insistence by the Umno supreme council to call for GE15 this year is irresponsible as it neglects the welfare of the people.

“Malacca is not exempted from floods and, last year itself, four areas in the state were badly inundated,” Kerk said in a statement today, adding that many flood mitigation projects promised by BN in last year’s state election, have yet to be fulfilled.

According to him, a state executive councillor also admitted to delays in flood mitigation projects, which were supposed to have been completed by August this year.

“How can Malaccans be assured that the state government prioritises their welfare when there are no updates on flood mitigation efforts, open admissions of delays, and the state BN does not oppose plans to hold an election during the polls?

“I urge the state BN to show their progress in flood-handling measures; and if they fail to do so, they should openly oppose the Umno supreme council’s decision to call for an early election.”

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