PETALING JAYA, JULY 9- An Umno division chief has called for the abolition of by-elections following the death of its assemblyman.
Cheras division head Syed Ali Alhabshee (photo) said the abolition of by-elections was to prevent “wastage of public funds” which could amount to millions of ringgit per by-election following the death of an elected representative.
“It is about time the government and especially the Election Commission (EC) reconsider the need to hold by-elections because it is seen as a wastage of public funds,” he said.
Instead, Syed Ali said the party of the winning candidate should automatically re-elect a replacement for the constituency or state seat.
He further elaborated that if a winning candidate from Barisan Nasional (BN) or Pakatan Rakyat passed away, then the respective coalitions may select any individual from the area to replace the deceased without a by-election process.
“The replacement chosen by the party’s leadership must be given an opportunity to proceed with his task as people’s representative until the next general election,” he said.
Syed Ali then used the upcoming by-election in Kuala Besut as an example of “wastage” as its representative passed away within two months after winning the seat during GE13.
“Less than three months, the EC has to conduct a by-election and it involves heavy workload and it may amount to millions of ringgit.
Is this not a waste of public funds?” He added that the by-election was not only a waste of public funds, but could also lead to a longstanding political divide which could derail the government’s long-term plans for the country.
“I am of the opinion that the Election Act can be reevaluated. The EC and people’s representative can present their views and suggestions on this issue before it is debated in Parliament and State Assemblies.”
Shahrizat should accept calls to retire Meanwhile, Syed Ali also reiterated his call for Wanita Umno chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil to step down from her post.
He said the former cabinet minister should accept widespread views to step down from her post as these calls were made not to end her political career, but are based on the current political scenario.
“I myself have no ill intention when I call for her resignation, but am only presenting my views for betterment and for the future of the women’s movement,” he said.
He added Shahrizat should accept the criticisms with an open heart and not regard it as an effort to overthrow her. “Leaders come and go, that has always been the tradition in Umno.
It is our responsibility to look after the interests of the party more than our personal interests or for the interests of certain parties,” he said.
“When an individual is fighting hard to hold on to his or her position, it would lead to much speculation and widespread open calls by parties that want a change in leadership.
“Based on the current political situation, Umno needs a thorough transformation. Therefore, I am of the opinion that Wanita Umno needs a change and it is time for Shahrizat to step down.”
Last week, Syed Ali said Shahrizat should accept the reality of her “loss of position” in politics and retire gracefully.
He noted the absence of a Wanita Umno representative in Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s new cabinet, saying this indicated both Shahrizat’s failure to ensure representation of the women’s wing in the Putrajaya administration and the top leadership’s “loss of faith” in her.
