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Malaysia political turmoil: BN, PAS step up preparations for possible snap elections

adminFebruary 27, 20201 Mins read73 Views

KUALA LUMPUR: Allies in the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition and Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) have stepped up their preparations in expectation of a snap general election to resolve the power vacuum in Malaysia.

United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) secretary-general Annuar Musa said in a press conference that the party had summoned its divisional leaders for a briefing on Thursday (Feb 27) and gave specific guidelines on how BN and PAS election machinery will work together at the national, state and area levels.

UMNO, which formalised a pact with PAS in September last year under the banner of Islamic unity, is BN's main component party. The alliance also includes the Malaysian Chinese Association and the Malaysian Indian Congress.

"I have issued additional instructions … that all BN election machinery across the country, will work together with PAS as a Muafakat Nasional to prepare for the election," said Mr Annuar.

He added that the preparations were in line with the coalitions call for parliament to be dissolved and snap polls to be announced amid political turmoil in the country.

Party flags of parties contesting Malaysia's general election line a road in Tanjung Dawai, Kedah. (Photo: Amir Yusof)

READ: Barisan Nasional, PAS call for parliament to be dissolved and elections held

UMNOs press conference on Thursday was held after interim prime minister Mahathir Mohamad said the Malaysian parliament will sit on Mar 2 to determine the next prime minister as no candidate commanded a clear majority.

Dr Mahathir added that snap polls could be called if the House fails to arrive at a decision after the special parliamentary session.

UMNO MEMBERS HURT BY MAHATHIR'S COMMENTS

In his press conference on Thursday, Mr Annuar also noted that Dr Mahathir had singled out UMNO in his special address to the nation the day before.

Dr Mahathir had said that he was not willing to accept UMNO joining a new coalition to govern Malaysia, which includes his party Bersatu, but was willing to take in UMNO members if they left the party.

Addressing this, Mr Annuar said that UMNO party members were “hurt and insulted” by Dr Mahathirs comments. But he called for them to be patient and continue to act morally in the face of “many accusations”.