FORMER prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has suggested that the 15th general election be held after the coming flood season to prevent any untoward incidents.

Dr Mahathir said apart from posing safety concerns, floods would also complicate the movements of voters.

“A suitable time (for polls) is when the situation is normal, not in times of disaster, floods or storms. In flood season, not only would movements be hampered but also there would be risks of disasters causing injuries or deaths.

“This is why the flood season is not the right time for holding polls,” he said when asked about a suitable time to call for polls.

He said contesting parties would also be able to make thorough preparations if the next general election was held outside of the flood season.

He also said Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) had not decided on its candidates for the election.

Asked about GTA’s registration, Dr Mahathir, who is its pro-tem chairman, said the Registrar of Societies (ROS) would give its response within a month of the submission of the coalition’s application.

On September 6, the GTA pro-tem committee met ROS director-general Mohd Nawardi Saad to hand over related documents and discuss its registration.

GTA, which was formed on August 4, comprises Pejuang, Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia, Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia and Parti Perikatan India Muslim Nasional. – Bernama, September 23, 2022.