‘Exercise your right to vote’

PETALING JAYA: While respecting the Prime Minister’s decision to dissolve Parliament, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin hopes the voting process will not be disrupted by floods.

“This election is important in stabilising the political situation of the country and people should be encouraged to execrise their right to vote, even when faced with the possibility of floods,” the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president said after a party meeting in Pahang.

Muhyiddin, who is also Perikatan Nasional chairman, said it had been agreed that state and parliamentary seats under the coalition would be contested by the incumbent parties.

“If the seat’s incumbent is from Bersatu, then Bersatu will take it. If it is PAS’, then PAS will defend it,” he said.

He added that discussions will be held by the Perikatan components on who would contest the other seats.

Meanwhile PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said the party was dismayed over what he described as the hasty dissolution of Parliament.

“PAS is disappointed on the situation where parliament has to be dissolved in such a hasty manner at just four years and five months through the 14th Parliament,” he said in a statement.

We’re ready: Muhyiddin speaking to the media after a meeting in Temerloh as Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (left) looks on. — Bernama

However, Abdul Hadi said the party was optimistic its efforts to unite the Ummah would not fail.

“On that note, PAS is calling on the people to fulfil their responsibility as a voter in this important general election,” he said.

PAS deputy President Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party was ready to go to the polls.

“As of last year itself, the party machinery had been reminded that elections could happen at any time.

“PAS with the Perikatan Nasional coalition will go all out to ensure we win in the next general election,” he said.

Gerakan president Dr Dominic Lau said the party had been long prepared for the snap polls.

“Not only are we prepared for the election but also our preparation for flash floods, especially in flood-prone areas in Pahang and Kelantan, is also in high gear.

“We have lifeboats. We will ensure help reaches the people during floods,” he said.

Lau also called on all citizens, especially those who are eligible upon reaching 18, to vote.

“Politics is closely related to our lives.

“People should exercise their rights and elect their representatives in the government for the next five years,” he added.