UMNO is not pushing for early polls to save its leaders who are currently facing criminal trials, but for the mandate to be returned to the people, said Umno Supreme Council member Mohd Razlan Rafii. 

Opposition leaders like Lim Guan Eng and former prime minister Dr Mahahtir Mohamad have repeatedly suggested that the party’s “court cluster” – those who are facing trials – are pressuring the prime minister to call for a snap election. 

“Umno is not calling for an early election, but we are demanding an election because we need to let the people have their say. A new mandate is needed. 

“Furthermore, the situation now is very not stable. We need a stable government. 

“In the first place, Umno had accepted defeat in the last general election but because Muhyiddin (Yassin) wanted to be PM, the Sheraton Move happened,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

When asked if Umno wants an election now just to halt court cases involving top party leaders, Razlan said such an accusation is baseless. 

“The prime minister is one of us, why didn’t he interfere and stop the cases? We do not interfere and even if we win the election, there will be no such thing,” he said. 

Razlan also said the time is right to hold the general election now as the Covid-19 situation has become more stable.

“So now we are in the endemic phase, why can’t we have an election? The situation (Covid-19) is under control already. Our stand on this matter has been consistent from day one,” he said.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has come under intense pressure from Umno to hold elections soon instead of waiting for next year.

Party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said a delayed election would strengthen the opposition and impact Barisan Nasional’s success.

Ismail, who is also Umno vice-president, had previously said he would call for elections once the economy recovers. 

In recent days, he has hinted a general election will be held soon. 

Ismail replaced Muhyiddin as prime minister a year ago when a group of Umno MPs decided to withdraw support for the Pagoh MP as prime minister. 

They withdrew support for Muhyiddin after the Bersatu president refused to appoint a deputy prime minister from the party and sidelined the party in several important matters. 

According to Razlan, Umno had never agreed to join Muhyiddin’s government, but the Covid-19 pandemic had pushed the party to prioritise the safety of the people.

He added that Muhyiddin had promised elections should be called once the country’s herd immunity reaches over 80%. 

“We were ready to wait, and then the Sheraton Move happened. We had no choice but to help bring down the temperature due to Covid-19. 

“Now that things are okay, we want elections so the country can move forward,” said Razlan.

Judiciary will remain independent 

Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Azmi Hassan said Umno has valid reasons to call for snap polls. 

“The reason to have a stable government carries weight. There have been so many uncertainties for the past couple of years and returning the mandate would be the best option.

“The health crisis is under control, many sectors are now operating as usual. But of course, the call is under the PM’s prerogative,” he said.

He added that a new Umno government after the elections would not be able to influence the judiciary to favour its leaders.

“I do believe in our judicial system. Whomever becomes the government, our judicial system will stay independent.

“I do not think Umno can do much to change what has happened.

“The risk is too big for the party. It (the judiciary) will want to be seen as a transparent party,” he added. – September 1, 2022.