Everyone needs to think deeply before calling for the general election. If we dissolve parliament now, the general election will most likely be held in November or December.  

Normally, at this time, our country will be experiencing heavy rainfall along with flash floods that bring destruction to properties and endanger lives. These disasters affect those staying in rural areas and many cities, including the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. 

Focus should also be given to controlling the spread of Covid-19 and improving the country’s economic performance that was badly affected due to the pandemic. 

Tackling inflation and the high cost of living should even be the prime focus now. 

The government should also remember that civil servants will be deployed to work during the election. Many of them have expressed their dissatisfaction on the matter. 

As such, any call for an early general election should not be entertained.  

Everybody is aware of the political turmoil that engulfed our country lately. Due to political uncertainty, there are politicians who are impatient and want to push for the general election to be held by the end of this year.  

The Federal Constitution requires that an election must be held at least once every five years. However, the prime minister can ask the Agong to dissolve parliament at any time before this period has expired.  

This has been stipulated clearly under Article 55(2), (3), and (4) of the Federal Constitution. A similar approach has been practiced for each state in our country. Any call for early election within a state must obtain permission from its respective Ruler or Governor.  

It is important to be reminded that the previous general election was held in May 2018 and our parliament started to hold its first seating in July 2018. According to the Federal Constitution, we have less than a year before we need to have another general election. 

Can an early election solve every problem? Once the election is over, there is no guarantee that everybody would be satisfied with the results, thus increasing the possibility of disputes and never-ending legal battles in court. All this will affect Malaysia’s reputation and disturb the country’s economic recovery. 

We need to choose another suitable time to ensure that all voters can be involved in the electoral process. Think about the people first, not politics, power and election! – October 10, 2022. 

* Dr. Muzaffar Syah Mallow and Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman read The Malaysian Insight.  

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.