EC chief’s remark stokes further talk of June polls
Aziz said there was a possibility the general election may be held before June. — File picKUALA LUMPUR, April 9 — Speculation of a June general election intensified among the media today after Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abd Aziz Mohd Yusof said his agency was readying for polls then, according to Bernama Online.
“Administratively, I am making preparations for my officers by June... but I am not saying that the election will not be held before June,” Aziz was quoted as saying in the report.
His remark drew a frenzy of questions from media members during a press conference in Kuching, where the EC was holding a two-day briefing for its officials.
Despite the prodding, Aziz refused to confirm any details other than to say he has received indication that the general election may be called then, to allow for the EC to make arrangements.
“The 13th general election will be unlike the previous general election. There will be many new things introduced for the first time,” he said.
Among others, the next general election will see the introduction of indelible ink — a key demand made by election watchdog Bersih 2.0.
Despite this development, Bersih 2.0 will hold its third rally to call for free and fair elections on April 28 after rejecting a Parliamentary Select Committee’s (PSC) recommendations for electoral reforms.
Calling the PSC’s proposals as inadequate, Bersih further said the rally is necessary as the government has made no commitment to fully adopt the recommendations and refused to delay polls until these can be implemented.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is expected to call for an early general election soon to allow Barisan Nasional (BN) to take advantage of the positive mood following a slew of cash handouts and a civil service pay increase.
The Malaysian Insider understands elections may be held as early as June with Parliament expected to be dissolved in mid-May.
