GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government will not consider dissolving the state legislative assembly if the general election is held during the monsoon season, says Chow Kon Yeow.
The Chief Minister said having polls during the monsoon period will put voters’ lives at risk as floodwaters can rise at a high level.
Chow added that the state government's earlier consideration on whether to dissolve the state assembly at the same time as the dissolution of Parliament was dependent on the timing.
“We would not have followed if the general election was held earlier this year. If the dissolution is nearer to full term, obviously, we will follow.
“But now, Barisan Nasional is so determined to have an early election even during the monsoon season despite much criticism from the public,” he said during a press conference at Komtar on Tuesday (Sept 20).
Chow said the monsoon season is not a suitable time to hold election campaigns and polling.
“What if it floods on the night before polling day or on the day itself?
“How would Malaysian voters be able to exercise their right to vote when faced with a life or death situation when their homes are flooded?
“Even polling centres will not be spared.
“They have obviously not considered all these logistics issues, what more, the safety of voters,” he said.
Chow added that many had criticised those calling for the 15th General Election (GE15) to be held during the monsoon season.
“Voters can’t go to the polling station if it is flooded, and even polling trucks can’t go to the polling station if it’s flooded.
“The workers at polling centres would not be able to reach the polling station.
“Schools and community halls which are usually the polling stations would be flooded too.
“The whole electoral process will be jeopardised by the floods.
“Can we call ourselves a democratic country when people can’t vote on polling day because some people are so determined to hold polls during the monsoon season?” he said.
Chow said the voices of the people against elections being held during the monsoon season are loud enough.
“If the general election is held during the monsoon season, it might cause a low turnout rate as many people would not be able to come out and cast their votes.
“With a low turnout, the small numbers that come out and vote will vote against Barisan for calling for elections during the monsoon season.
“The government should consider the strong objections of the people first before deciding to dissolve Parliament, especially during the monsoon season,” he said.
Barisan had been raring for the general election to be held soon even during the monsoon period.
Its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said there should be no issue with calling a general election during the monsoon season.
