BERSATU deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu said today defended the right of Perikatan Nasional ministers to write to the king objecting to polls being held in the monsoon season.

“This is a democratic country. We felt that we needed to convey our concerns to His Majesty.

“While some objected (to the petition), there were also those who approved.

“So there is no need to squabble. I respect ((Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan) and I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion,” Faizal was quoted as saying in news reports today.

Ahmad has chided 12 PN ministers from for petitioning the king to halt any plans to call a general election this year.

Ahmad said the action of the ministers showed they had no confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“It is not good for the current administration when 12 ministers write such a letter instead of resolving the matter within the cabinet.

“(The government’s) legitimacy has been eroded, from 100% to 60%. The letter should not have been published as such a problem should be discussed in the cabinet,” he was quoted as saying.

On the outcome of a cabinet meeting to discuss the matter of polls, Faizal decline to comment.

“If I reveal it, I will go to hell. I don’t want to go to hell.

“Those who take bribes, abuse their power and swear by their name of Allah (will go to hell), and I don’t want to follow them,” he added.

Umno leaders have been pressing the prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob dissolve parliament.

Opposition parties want elections to be held next year.

The current Dewan Rakyat session expires in July. – October 8, 2022.