KUALA LUMPUR: Claims that Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is calling for the 15th General Election (GE15) to be held early because of his court cases are serious allegations involving the integrity of judges and judicial institutions.
Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan said the allegations created a perception that the course of the trials would change in the event Barisan Nasional (BN) wins the general election.
Shahril was responding to Kedah Menteri Besar and Pas election director Datuk Seri Muhamad Sanusi Md Nor, who claimed that it was fear of being imprisoned that led to the Umno president insisting on the general election to be held earlier.
Shahril asked what Sanusi was trying to imply with regard to when the GE15 would take place and should BN win.
"That because BN wins, the judge will suddenly be forced to change his mind?
"If that is the accusation, just say it straight because it is a serious allegation not only against Datuk Seri Zahid but also against the integrity of the judges and the judiciary.
"Currently, the prime minister (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob) is from Umno. According to Umno's supreme working council's decision, if the BN wins, the prime minister is still the same. The case is ongoing. So, what do the court cases have to do with an early election?
"In addition, there is no guarantee BN will win the general election," he said in a statement today.
Yesterday, a news portal quoted Sanusi as saying Malaysia would be destroyed if the people chose "one or two crazy leaders", besides claiming that Zahid wanted the general election to be held early for fear of being imprisoned.
Sanusi also said Zahid's claim that Pas was not interested in holding an early general election because the party feared it would lose the 18 seats it now held was wrong, adding that the country has more important things to resolve.
Shahril added that Zahid did not ask for the general election to be held immediately. He merely asked that the polls not be held too late, for strategic considerations involving the party and the country.
Shahril said those seeking the general election and a new mandate are party members and people who are not facing any charges in court.
"Regardless, this will be discussed by the 'Top 5' (five top Umno leaders). Other parties do not need to intervene in Umno's internal discussions," he said.
