Monsoon-timed election threatens voters
A lawmaker questions Prime Minister Ismail Sabri’s snap polls
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AFP) — An opposition member of Malaysia’s parliament has said voters’ lives are at risk in the upcoming general election that coincides with the monsoon season.
MP Mahfuz Omar from the northern Kedah state raised voter turnout and safety concerns as thousands of people across Malaysia were evacuated into temporary shelters over the weekend to escape harm from floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains.
“I fear voters will not be able to cast their votes if their homes are flooded and roads become impassable,” Mahfuz told AFP.
Malaysia's meteorological department has forecast thunderstorms and incessant rain right up until 21 million voters will be able to cast ballots Saturday, with more flooding expected.
The National Disaster Management Agency said in a statement over the weekend that six states in peninsular Malaysia had experienced flash flooding.
“A total of 2,388 people have sought shelter in 25 relief centers,” it said.
Mahfuz and others have accused Prime Minister Ismail Sabri of power grabbing by calling the polls almost a year ahead of schedule and while opposition forces are in disarray.
A total of 2,388 people have sought shelter in 25 relief centers.
The ruling United Malays National Organization leaders are confident the early polls will result in a stronger mandate, but critics have said an election could distract the government from dealing with the effects of heavy monsoon rains that typically occur during this time of year, bringing deadly floods to the country’s east coast.
Last year, the Southeast Asian nation was battered by its worst floods in history. More than 50 people died and thousands were displaced in December 2021.