Polls will be held only when it is safe to do so, says Muhyiddin

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People line up to vote at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pulau Gaya in Sabah during the Sabah state election last year. Bernama File Photo

KUCHING (Jan 12): Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has pledged to call the general election when it is safe to do so.

He said until then, all elections including state elections will not be held during the country’s state of emergency.

“The general election will be held once an independent body has declared that the Covid-19 situation in the country has subsided or fully recovered,” he said in his live televised announcement today.

“As we know, the people currently do not want elections to be held to prevent the Covid-19 epidemic from spreading like what happened after the the recent Sabah State Election.

“To ensure that the implementation of the emergency period is done fairly and transparently, an independent special committee will be established under an ordinance to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong whether a major emergency is still occurring in the Federation and to continue the period of Emergency Proclamation or terminate the proclamation earlier than the appointed date,” he said in his live televised announcement today.

Muhyiddin said while there have been parties urging for elections to be held recently, he does not intend to do so.

“The main factor that prevented me from advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from dissolving the Parliament to pave the way for an election to be held is the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The decision not to hold to elections during the pandemic is in line with one of the five principles of ‘Maqasid Syariah’ which is to take care of lives or ‘hifz al-nafs’. In this context, it is my duty as the head of the government to take care of the lives of the people by protecting everyone from Covid-19,” he said.

As such, he gave his firm commitment that a general election will be held as soon as the soon-to-be-established independent special committee certifies that the Covid-19 situation in the country has subsided or fully recovered and that elections are safe to be held.

“At that time, it is up to the people to choose which government is qualified to govern this country and look after the welfare of the people. This is my commitment and promise that I will fulfill, God willing,” he assured.

He said in a situation where the country and the people are facing great harm, it is therefore crucial for all politicians to put aside their differences and stand in solidarity with the people.

“When it comes time to be political, then be politically responsible,” he added.

He also gave his assurance that during this period of emergency, the judiciary will continue to function to uphold law and justice.

“The Perikatan Nasional (PN) government will continue to defend the independence of the judiciary and will never interfere in the affairs of the courts.

“The judiciary will continue to be the beacon of justice in our country and I will never interfere in the business of the court,” he said.

Muhyiddin also said during the emergency, the executive authority of the Federation shall also extend to any matter within the legislative authority of the country except for any matters of the Islamic law, Malay customary or any matter of law or customs of the natives in Sabah or Sarawak, religion, citizenship and language in accordance with Clause 6A of Article 150 of the Federal Constitution.

“In addition, the Parliament and State Legislative Assembly will not sit until such a time is set by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.