Loke warns govt it would disrespect non-Malays if GE15 fast tracked

Loke warns govt it would disrespect non-Malays if GE15 fast tracked


Flooding during the monsoon season has been the primary criticism against Umno's push to hold the general election this year.

However, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the government also runs the chance of disrespecting non-Malays and their festivities if it decides to dissolve Parliament early.

"After the monsoon is the festive season, Chinese New Year is in January.

"If they dissolve Parliament this month, they would be disrespecting the Indians, as (many) Indians will be celebrating Deepavali. Will they dissolve Parliament before Deepavali?" he said at a press conference in Perak today.

He added that December polls risk clashing with Christmas as well - although he said the government would unlikely hold year end elections.

He also said that Muslims will be celebrating Aidilfitri in April. This is preceded by a month of fasting.

Loke said planning for elections would usually take into account cultural and religious sensitivities.

Hence, he said it would be better for the government to let Parliament complete its term.

Parliament is slated to automatically dissolve on July 16 - five years after the current term first convened.

Loke said this would also save on election spending as the states which have not held polls since 2020 will also have to conduct state elections.

PAS and Pakatan Harapan have said that they may not dissolve legislative assemblies in Penang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan if the general election is called this year.

Umno on Friday ordered Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to propose a date for the dissolution of Parliament so that the election can be held this year.