LAWMAKERS from both sides of the divide believe that now is not the time for snap polls, but to focus on reviving the economy.

This, they said, is crucial due to how greatly the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the economy.

Bersatu senator Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said the country is facing an unprecedented situation in dealing with the outbreak.

“This coming parliamentary sitting will focus on taking us (as a nation) out of the Covid-19 situation that has affected the economy.

“There are talks about snap polls, but the focus must be on the economy,” he said during a webinar entitled What’s in store for Malaysia’s House? Anticipating Parliament’s July sitting by the Yusof Ishak Institute today.

On June 21, Umno vice-president Mahdzir Khalid had said that a snap general election was the best solution to resolve current political issues, especially with regard to the slim majority enjoyed by the Perikatan Nasional ruling pact.

Earlier, Umno and PAS leaders had said that muafakat nasional is revving up its preparation for any snap polls by setting up a committee to coordinate state and parliamentary political activities.

Among the tasks of the 22-member committee is finalising the seats that will be contested by the two parties.

Ahmad also said that soon, the people will be affected when the six-month moratorium on loans ends in September.

“There are people who are still suffering. More so when the moratorium is lifted by the banks.

“Perikatan Nasional has to prepare for any eventuality (to assist the people).”

DAP political education assistant national director Dr Ong Kian Ming also agreed that now is not the time for snap polls.

“This is not the time for snap elections as it will be difficult for voters to travel (back to their constituencies) because of Covid-19.

“We also haven’t implemented automatic voter registration yet. We should bring the focus back to the economy.” – July 8, 2020.