THERE is still time to hold the general election before the monsoon season, Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said.

He said this is based on the Malaysian Meteorological Department’s (MetMalaysia) prediction that the monsoon season will start at the end of November.

“If the decision not to hold the general election is based on MetMalaysia’s forecast, polls can still proceed before the end of November,” he said in a Facebook post.

“If parliament is dissolved early next month, then there is still time for polls in early November, two or three weeks before the heavy rain begins.”

As to whether the Election Commission (EC) is capable of holding elections four weeks after parliament is dissolved, Asyraf said record shows that the EC can do it.

He cited the 2018 general election, when parliament was dissolved on April 7, 2018 and polling took place on May 8.

“Based on this, and taking into account MetMalaysia’s forecast, there is still time for us to hold the general election,” he said.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been under pressure from his own party to dissolve parliament and call a general election this year.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party is ready to face the polls, even if they were held during the monsoon season.

His remarks drew criticisms from various parties who say that Zahid is prioritising power over the people’s well-being. – September 22, 2022.