KJ slams Umno leaders for wanting polls during pandemic

PETALING JAYA: Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (pic) has hit out at certain leaders in his own party, Umno, for asking to hold a general election amid the Covid-19 pandemic, saying it was “irresponsible”.

“Those calling for a general election before the pandemic is brought under control are irresponsible. I know some of those calling for a general election are from my own party. Don’t be selfish, ” he said on his Twitter account.

On Jan 3, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said that the party wanted a snap general election to be called despite the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that they could follow the standard operating procedures (SOP).

“Why must we be afraid to hold a general election during a pandemic? More than 30 countries have held general elections while facing the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Why is Malaysia the only country afraid of this?” Ahmad Zahid said.

Several civil society groups as well as politicians too have said that a snap election should be avoided.

Earlier in the day, Tan Sri Annuar Musa had held a press conference where he had said that he accepted his removal as Barisan Nasional secretary-general.

He was dismissed from the post on Tuesday.