GE15: Zahid's statement on holding polls during flood season misunderstood, says Annuar

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement that Barisan Nasional plans to hold the general election during the flood season has been misunderstood, says Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

The Communications and Multimedia Minister said that many misinterpreted the Umno president’s statement as a sign of Barisan’s alleged insensitivity towards the welfare of the people in pursuit of political goals, which is untrue.

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"The statement has been misunderstood, as no policy statement on the election has been officially released yet.

"What the president (Ahmad Zahid) meant was that in the event of a flood, the Umno election machinery would still be ready to operate.

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"It does not necessarily mean that he (Ahmad Zahid) wishes for the election to be held during the flood season," Annuar said after launching the soundtrack and trailer for the upcoming “Seratus” film at the Communications and Multimedia Ministry on Monday (Sept 19).

Annuar added that Ahmad Zahid's statement was a personal one and did not represent the party’s view on holding the GE15 during the flood season.

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"It is very rare for a country to hold elections during a disaster.

"If we hold it (elections) during unfavourable conditions, the voter turnout will be low and this will not bring a good image for the country," he added.

Ahmad Zahid had said Barisan was ready for GE15 even if polls were called during the raining and flood season at the end of the year.

He had also said that there had been precedence for calling a general election during the monsoon season, referring to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who did the same in 1999.