Hold off GE15 until flood danger is over, says Dr M

CYBERJAYA: Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) has maintained its stand that the 15th General Election (GE15) should only be held once the danger of floods is over.

Its chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said it would need to see what dates the Prime Minister will propose to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The former prime minister said GTA’s decision whether to support or oppose the polling date will be made after the date is announced.

“We (GTA) feel that the election should be held when we are not facing big floods or strong winds, so that our voters are safe.

“I think it is best for it to be next year after the rainy season,” he said at the Suara Tanah Air programme organised by the GTA youth wing.

Dr Mahathir, in his speech, claimed that the current government will choose an election date that would be to its own benefit, “even though there will be floods either at the end of this month or in November”.

“They don’t mind that lives will be taken because that is not the government’s problem,” he said.

On GTA’s plans for the upcoming election, Dr Mahathir said the coalition is confident it can win and already has a “Plan B” in place if it is not approved as a coalition by the Registrar of Societies.

He said there are no issues in registering GTA, but there are also over 30 other parties waiting for approval.

Dr Mahathir, however, kept mum on the alternate plan should GTA not be approved in time for GE15.

The Suara Tanah Air programme yesterday also saw the launch of GTA’s flood mitigation squad that involves youths.