MUDA president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has called on all parties not to entertain the idea of election and focus on providing relief during floods, which are expected during the upcoming monsoon season.

“It’s almost impossible for any flood preparation if ministers are busy with campaigning when an election is called,” he said during the “Lives First Before Elections” protest outside the Sogo shopping complex in Kuala Lumpur today.

Around 70 protesters showed up for the protest with more than 100 police officers on standby. The protest, which started at 4pm, lasted for an hour.

Syed Saddiq said Muda will be presenting its policy plan to tackle floods to the government next week.

“We hope the government takes a good look at it and considers it,” he said.

He also slammed Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki for calling for a general election before the monsoon season.

“How sure are you that the monsoon season will happen as predicted in November? It could happen earlier,” said the Muar MP.

“We saw it last year when the amount of rain, which was predicted for a month, happened all in two days. So we can’t repeat the same mistake.”

Asyraf has said his proposal is based on the Malaysian Meteorological Department’s (MetMalaysia) prediction that the monsoon season will start at the end of November.

“If the decision not to hold the general election is based on MetMalaysia’s forecast, polls can still proceed before the end of November,” he has said.

Meanwhile, Ainie Haziqah of Muda said Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi should not be selfish.

“He and his friends just want to stay away from the court and call for an election,” she said.

“Hence, we have two demands for the government –

say no to elections this year and show us your flood mitigation plan.”

She also said the issue of high cost of living has yet to be solved.

“The government should look into all these before even thinking of having polls,” she said.

Pasir Pinji MP Howard Lee also questioned who will be taking care of the people during floods if the general election is called.

“Holding elections during floods is what something a crazy government would do,” said the DAP leader.

“We are not afraid of having the elections, but we are more afraid of people losing their lives.”

Last week, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Malaysians will not have to wait long before the announcement for the general election is made.

He said the people have to wait just a little bit longer as the polls will be called after discussions with Barisan Nasional chairman Zahid.

“Believe me. A bit more (the wait). It won’t be long. 

Malaysia’s general election is held every five years, but can be called earlier by the prime minister. The next general election is due to be held by September 2023. – September 24, 2022.