VOTERS must punish Umno for pressuring for the dissolution of parliament for general election during the monsoon season, outgoing Klang MP Charles Santiago said.

Speaking in an interview with comedian Harith Iskander last night, the DAP man said it was nonsensical for a party to call for an election when a possible tragedy could occur.

“Where is the logic to have an election during monsoon season? It does not make sense. The home minister had previously said that the police force will face severe constraints in flood operations and the GE at the same time.

“It will be very challenging for ordinary people to go back and vote when they know they might face trouble with the flood and heavy rain.

“The purpose of an election is to have it free and fair. I had written to the Election Commission and each of its commissioners asking if they have a plan to carry out the election in a situation like flooding.

“However it must be stressed that those who have a chance to vote, must punish the party that called for the election,” said Santiago.

Santiago, a three-term MP in Klang, will not be contesting in the election after being dropped by DAP.

Meanwhile, Santiago admitted that the current mood for the election was not as vigorous as it was back in 2018.

“The enthusiasm is not there. People are tired of politics. People are saying, why should I vote, who should I vote for?

“First-time voters may not be interested to vote and if they vote, most probably they will follow their parents,” he added.

Malaysians will go to the polls on November 19 in the country’s 15th general election. Nomination is set for November 5 and early voting, November 15.

The general election involves 222 parliamentary seats, 59 Perak state seats, Pahang (42) and Perlis (15). – November 1, 2022.