UMNO election director Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s call asking political parties not to push for a general election anytime soon has PAS’ backing, said Takiyuddin Hassan.

The Islamist party’s secretary-general said Tajuddin was right, adding that Putrajaya’s efforts should be focused on fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and not on holding an election.

“PAS is of the view that the statement is very accurate and timely as the focus of the entire machinery of the federal government and the states now is to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, which has not yet subsided both in Malaysia and around the world.

“Similarly, political parties are also focusing on helping people who have been severely affected by the epidemic not only in terms of health but also economic aspects.

“Therefore, PAS also calls on all parties, especially political parties and NGOs regardless of ideology and stream of thought, to help the government manage and resolve this epidemic, which is a grave emergency,” the Kota Bharu Member of Parliament said in a statement today.

Yesterday, Tajuddin said no parties, including Umno should pressure the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government to hold the 15th general election (GE15) anytime soon as the country should be focusing on fighting the pandemic.

The recently sacked Prasarana Malaysia Berhad chairman urged Umno members to help in the government’s efforts to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Takiyuddin, who is also the de facto law minister, said avoiding a general election in such crucial times could prove to be good move, as it would eliminate unnecessary issues and save valuable resources.

“This means, issues that could cause tension, disadvantages and loss of time, energy and money should be avoided as much as possible,” he said.

The PAS lawmaker said that his party is confident that the government of the day would take proactive measures by taking into account the views and suggestions of all parties to ensure that the benefits would be felt by all citizens and residents. – June 14, 2021.