NO matter who has the majority to form the government, no general election should be called anytime soon as the Covid-19 pandemic is still raging, said youth groups.

They told The Malaysian Insight the government cannot afford to put the people at risk of infection, as was the case in the recent Sabah elections.

Malaysia’s recent spike in Covid-19 cases has been attributed to the state elections that began on September 12 and ended on September 26.

Parti Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia (Muda) founding member Mutalib Uthman said the political game being played out now needed to be put aside to focus on the pandemic.

“If (PKR president) Anwar Ibrahim has the numbers (majority of MPs support in Parliament), then (Prime Minister) Muhyiddin Yassin should not call for a general election. If Muhyiddin has the numbers, then Anwar must not press for a general election.

“We do not want a general election because it costs a lot of money and runs the risk of increasing transmission of the virus,” said Mutalib, adding that, as Malaysia faces its third wave of Covid-19 infections, the people should not be put in harm’s way.

Muda, which recently launched the “Pause Malaysia” campaign, among others, is demanding that any attempt to take over the government in the near future should cease.

It also demanded that no general election be held during the Covid-19 pandemic and urged all MPs to come together for the good of all Malaysians.

Muda’s stand comes ahead of Anwar’s audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong today, where the opposition leader is to purportedly inform the king of the majority support he claims he has to form a new government.

Police yesterday said they wanted to question Anwar over his alleged list of 121 MPs who back him.

Mutalib said Muda will continue to pressure the government with its demands.

“We will continue to pressure the government. What we need is a ‘pause’ in the political game.

“The people are suffering and they must continue to urge all power-hungry politicians to stop their political shenanigans.”

Mutalib said Muda aims to bring all political leaders to the table to discuss issues related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“All political leaders must gather to discuss, find a formula and reach a consensus to put aside politics and focus on how to deal with the pandemic and govern this country.”

Political truce

Meanwhile, civil society group Forward Malaysia is also joining the fray and received the backing of several politicians, including PKR youth chief Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

PKR youth vice-chief Thiban Subramaniam also agrees that a general election should not be held anytime soon.

Thiban, however, said it cannot be denied that the government is unstable and unable to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Forward Malaysia is a channel for the people to speak up and convey their grouses to the government.

“We demand a stable government because only that can curb the Covid-19 pandemic and ensure economic recovery.

“Forward Malaysia does not side with any political party, even if there are politicians involved in this movement.

“This is not a political movement, but a platform for the people to voice their opinions,” he said.

Forward Malaysia has received strong support on social media from youth and civil society groups.

Thiban said Forward Malaysia provides a platform for all Malaysians to speak out, regardless of political, religious and racial background.

He also said the proposal for a political truce by Muda founder Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman will allow their voices to be heard.

“We need to move forward. People have had enough with political issues.

“We see numerous complaints on social media, many have lost their jobs, our national carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd is facing major problems, but our politicians do not seem bothered about these issues.

“The fall of the Sabah government was also another issue that should not have taken place.”

Thiban said while it is not calling for demonstrations, as has been the case in Indonesia and Thailand, it is encouraging the people to use social media to convey their views to the government.

“We will not stop scrutinising the government, even if Anwar becomes prime minister, because Forward Malaysia is a platform that does not side with any political party.” – October 13, 2020.