GE15 date is still anyone’s guess

KOTA KINABALU: The 15th General Election (GE15) can be called as early as September, says Parti Warisan.

Its deputy president Datuk Darell Leiking said power struggles between different parties and their coalition partners could lead to snap polls.

“But we are not interested in being dragged into (the issue of) the timing of the general election.

“Warisan hopes GE15 will be held only after the anti-party hopping Bill is approved and Sabah’s electoral roll is cleaned up,” said the Penampang MP.

Warisan youth chief Datuk Aziz Jamman, who is the Sepanggar MP, said the current government was not stable because of infighting.“I am sure it won’t be long before the Prime Minister will have to dissolve Parliament due to pressure coming from his own party,” he said, adding that Warisan was prepared for any eventuality.

In Sibu, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Datuk Joseph Salang believed that GE15 would not be held this year.

“I think the Prime Minister will want Parliament to go full term.

“I don’t think GE15 is an urgent matter. The people are also not eager for it,” he said.

Salang, who took over the party from the late Tan Sri James Masing following his death on Oct 30 last year, said PRS was ready should it be called any time.

“We have done the groundwork and are fully prepared,” he said.

Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party chairman Buln Ribos agreed with Salang.

“I think GE15 will be next year, probably after Chinese New Year.

“This is because the Prime Minister is comfortable with his administration now and also wants internal conflicts in Umno to be resolved first,” he said.

Sarawak United People’s Party treasurer Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing, however, begged to differ.

Ding, who is the Meradong assemblyman, felt that GE15 could take place this year.

“It looks like it will be this year in either September or October. This is mainly because of internal conflicts in a certain political party that wants it as soon as possible,” he said.

PBB supreme council member Datuk Abdullah Saidol called for GE15 to be held soon.

“If you ask me, I would say let’s have the polls quickly. Our expectation is that the result will put in place a solid and stable federal administration.

“I believe the majority of people want to see our leaders in the federal administration fully focused on the nation’s economic recovery plan and the people’s welfare,” he said.