UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi continued to press for early elections today, slamming the opposition for trying to delay the event to “buy time”.

“Although the opposition has criticised government policy, they are also the ones trying to delay GE15,” the Umno president said on Facebook today.

He denied the opposition’s claims that early polls will hurt the lower-income group, saying his party has never forgotten the people in need.

“We must publicise all the aid that is being given out. The adage of ‘what the right hand gives, the left hand need not know’ is no longer applicable at this time,” said the former deputy prime minister. 

“It must be remembered that the gulf between the rich and the poor has widened,” said Zahid, who is on trial for 47 corruption and money-laundering charges involving millions of ringgit belonging to his charity foundation Yayasan Akalbudi. 

Zahid, 69, is accused of receiving bribes SG$13.56 (RM42) million from Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd as inducement to use his power as the then home minister to extend government contracts.

The Bagan Datuk MP said a general election is the democratic way for Malaysians to get a stable government. 

“Only a more stable government can ensure better efforts to help the poor.”

He hinted that the current government led by Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob is ineffective because cabinet portfolios related to food security and the economy are held by Bersatu members.

Zahid also accused the opposition of trying to buy time by delaying polls.

“They want to buy time to get room to cheat the public again. God willing, a better government will return,” he said. – June 9, 2022.