PERMATANG PAUH: If there is a need for the Election Commission (EC) to postpone polling in certain areas due to the current floods, it should be announced immediately, PKR said today.
Its vice president Nurul Izzah Anwar said, under the law, there was a provision for the EC to postpone the election but not to have a fresh election.
Nurul Izzah, who is Pakatan Harapan's candidate for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat in the 15th general election (GE15), said it was Umno, Barisan Nasional which had pushed for the election during the monsoon season.
"We respect the process.
"If there is a need to postpone polling in areas affected by the current floods such as in Klang and others, an announcement should be made now. This will make things easier for both the candidates contesting and the voters.
"However, what cannot be accepted is the election is cancelled at a time when there is rumour going around that Umno is left trailing behind and PH is expected to win," she said at Yayasan Aman here today.
At most, Nurul Izzah added, any delay in the flood-affected areas should only be for several hours or a day, at most.
Nurul Izzah also said it was important for the EC to be seen as objective, professional and independent.
Malaysians will go to the ballot boxes to cast their votes on Saturday.
Meanwhile, PKR's Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik said the northeast monsoon was nearing the east coast of Malaysia and affected many areas in the Peninsular, resulting in flooding.
He said these included schools, which would be used as polling stations.
"As such, there is a need for the EC to make an immediate decision on whether this election will go ahead or postpone. Don't wait until the eleventh hour to decide.
"Also, don't be influenced by the prime minister. This is because surveys have shown that BN is trailing.
"Will the EC follow the wishes of BN, especially the prime minister, to postpone this election with the reason that schools to be used for polling are affected by floods?
"If there is a need to postpone, say it today and not at the last minute," he added.
Meanwhile, Nurul Izzah also urged the EC to make an immediate decision on the Padang Serai parliamentary seat following the death of its incumbent and PH candidate M. Karupaiya, 69, yesterday.
Earlier, Nurul Izzah said PH was cautiously optimistic that the coalition was heading towards GE15 victory.
She, however, said the remaining 48 hours were crucial and asked members and supporters not to be taken in by provocations and such.