KUALA LUMPUR: No general election, state or by-election will be held during the State of Emergency period, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
In a special address telecast live today, Muhyiddin said the common practise of holding a by-election within 60 days of a seat being declared vacant; and within the same period for a state election after the legislative assembly is dissolved, is now suspended.
"As we all know, at this time, the people do not want elections to be held to deter the spread of Covid-19 transmission, like what happened after the recent Sabah state election.
"Lately, there have been quarters who have pressed for general elections to be held. I have no intention not to call for an election.
"The main thing that is stopping me from advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to dissolve Parliament to pave the way for a general election is the Covid-19 pandemic," said Muhyiddin.
He said the decision against calling for elections during the Covid-19 pandemic is in line with one of five Maqasid Syariah principles, which is to protect lives, or "hifz-al-nafs".
"In this context, it has become my obligation as the head of the government to protect the people's lives and protect all of you from the Covid-19 infection," he said.
The Prime Minister added that to ensure that the implementation of the Emergency is done fairly and transparently, an independent committee will be set up under an ordinance to advise the King on when to finally lift the State of Emergency.
"I give my firm commitment that the general election will be called as soon as the committee acknowledges that the Covid-19 infection has simmered down or is fully under control, and that it is safe for elections to be held.
"Then, it is up to the people to choose which government is qualified to administer the country and to take care of your welfare. This is my commitment and a promise that I will fulfill, InsyaAllah."