KUALA LUMPUR: It will be difficult for people to vote if they've lost their MyKad due to floods, says Datuk Seri Rina Mohd.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said the situation is something that occurred frequently during floods, as people were more concerned about saving themselves rather than their belongings.
“Just imagine if the next general election is held now, how will people come out to vote if they don’t have their MyKad,” said Rina.
She said this when speaking to reporters after the Women Leadership in Politics Forum, which was organised by the ministry together with the National Council of Women's Organisation (NCWO) at the Royal Lake Club here on Wednesday (Oct 5).
“Experts have laid down their weather predictions for the upcoming months, as such my priority is to ensure the welfare of the people,” she added.
Rina was responding to a question about the possibility of the 15th General Election (GE15) coming very soon after Umno held its last large-scale meeting on Tuesday (Oct 4).
She also said the Welfare Department's (JKM) preparation for the floods is at 95%, and that they have carried out simulations with relevant agencies in bracing for the events to come.
“There are 6,010 temporary evacuation centres (PPS) at schools, community halls and places where water is unlikely to rise,” said Rina.
“The thing is that some of these PPS are also voting centres, so my question is what do we prioritise, the welfare of the people or the election?
"Which is more important?” she asked.
Rina said that while she does understand that the time for GE15 has arrived, it must be carried out accordingly.
Earlier, Rina officiated the forum's call for 30% representation of women in politics from across the political divide to ensure there is a strong representation at the Parliament and state levels.
A total of 14 political parties and 38 non-governmental organisation representatives attended the forum.
Among the speakers were Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, PAS Muslimat chief Senator Nuridah Mohd Salleh, Wanita PKR chief Senator Fadhlina Sidek and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Wanita wing deputy Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.
