IT is unlikely that the 15th general election will be called this year, as the government has its hands full battling the Covid-19 pandemic, an academic said.

Rumours of snap polls to be called this year have been making the rounds as the government battles the perception of being unstable because of its slim majority.

Prof Mohd Azizuddin Sani of Universiti Utara Malaysia said next year would be more suitable for an election, given the current battle against Covid-19.

The government will have to deal with the economic challenges which stemmed from the Covid-19 pandemic, he said in the webinar Covid-19 and Malaysia’s Political Impasse.

“It is best for the government to focus on dealing with the economy first than to have elections,” he said.

Azizuddin said the current Parliament can sit until 2023, and since the prerogative to call for elections lies with Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, there is a possibility that he will decide only when he is confident of victory.

He said the Election Commission will also need time to prepare for a general election as it is now busy with the upcoming Slim by-election and Sabah elections.

Azizuddin said political parties also need to prepare funding, machinery and candidates for an election.

“Umno and PAS now are having meetings to finalise their candidates. As for Bersatu, how will their arrangements be with Muafakat Nasional?” he said.

Azizuddin said parties could opt to contest individually instead of in a coalition. 

“I think they will contest separately but not against each other (against allies),” he said. – August 8, 2020.