Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow
KUCHING: The call for a snap or early election in the country, whether at federal or state level, should be seen as the last option due to the serious implications it can bring to the country, economy and people, said a senior lecturer of syariah and law.
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia’s (USIM) Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow noted that with the change of the country’s top leadership to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the eighth Prime Minister and the change of political structure at the federal level, the entire country’s political landscape and stability are affected.
“Many people and experts have come with many theoretical solutions to put an end to the ongoing political turmoil including forming a minority government, forming a unity government, as well as dissolving the Parliament and State Assembly entirely in order to allow a new election to take place.
“Whatever their proposal would be, forcing the entire nation or any state to go for a new election should be seen as the last option if there are no other way that can be used to put an end to the political problem faced,” he said in a statement today.
Muzaffar pointed out in that having a snap or early election would make the voters to spend their time and energy to cast their votes again, which can lead to frustration.
“Once the election over, there is no guarantee everybody will be satisfied, happy and accept the election results thus opening up the possibility of more dispute, conflict, and never-ending legal action in court.
“All this eventually will lead to disability of the country that can affect the country’s reputation in the eyes of the world and interfere with the country’s economic development,” he opined, adding that political campaigning during this period is also not suitable due to the spread of Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19).
Both federal level and state level require elections to be held at least once every five years.
At federal level, the Prime Minister can advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve the Parliament at any time before this five-year period has expired or under any exceptional situation.
The Federal Constitution states “The Yang di-Pertuan Agong may prorogue or dissolve Parliament”, and Article 5 (3) of the Constitution continues to state that “Whenever Parliament is dissolved a general election shall be held within sixty days from the date of the dissolution and Parliament shall be summoned to meet on date not later than one hundred and twenty days from that date”.
Similar approach is also practiced in each state. Any call for early election within the state must have permission from their respective Ruler or Governor.