PETALING JAYA: Economic pressures should not be used to justify postponing elections, let alone invoking a state of emergency, say analysts and electoral watchdogs.
Rejecting a proposal by DAP’s Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong to declare an emergency to delay the Melaka state election, the groups stressed that such powers should be exercised only under exceptional circumstances, not for political convenience.
Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said emergencies should only be declared in the face of genuine security threats or serious risks to public safety, not economic challenges that can be managed through fiscal policies or government intervention.
“The rising cost of living is a real issue, but it is more practical to address it via policy measures and targeted support for the rakyat rather than postponing elections.
“An emergency declaration in this context could also be perceived as an attempt to delay the people’s mandate,” he said.
Khoo had suggested the move to postpone the election amid rising cost-of-living pressures linked to the fuel crisis stemming from the Middle East conflict.
Malaysia National Council of Professors fellow Dr Azmi Hassan echoed Prof Awang’s view, saying the current situation does not provide a strong or appropriate basis for an emergency.
“There is no clear link between the energy crisis and the need to delay the Melaka state election,” he said.
Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) chairman Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz said any emergency declaration must be backed by clear parameters and not used as a matter of expediency.
“We must define what constitutes economic hardship that justifies an emergency. Economic challenges are something people regularly face,” he said.
Former Malaysian Bar president Salim Bashir noted that Article 150 of the Federal Constitution empowers the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to proclaim an emergency only if a grave threat to security, economic life or public order exists.
“Elections are a fundamental feature of a democratic system. Any postponement without strong and legitimate grounds risks undermining institutional certainty in a democratic state.
“Ultimately, the decision rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who will weigh such petitions based on the specific circumstances,” he said.
Melaka MCA Youth chief Tee Tian Ling said issues such as rising living costs and infrastructure challenges should be addressed through governance and policy, not extraordinary constitutional measures.
“Resorting to emergency powers risks diverting attention from solving the underlying problems while raising concerns about governance standards,” he said.
Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh described the proposal as “unwise”, noting that Malaysia had weathered past economic crises without resorting to emergency rule.
“Economic challenges are global, yet there have been no moves elsewhere to invoke emergency powers,” he said in a Facebook post, adding such proposals raise queries about governing capacity.
The Melaka state assembly term expires by the end of this year, when the next election must be held.
