TEMERLOH: Perikatan Nasional respects the Prime Minister's decision to dissolve the Parliament despite earlier misgivings, says its chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The former prime minister said Perikatan felt that it would be unsuitable to hold a general election at the moment due to the probability of floods and also other issues faced by the country.
"That is our view. But when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has already given his consent, then we respect the decision. We respect the Constitution and the decision," said Muhyiddin at a press conference here on Monday (Oct 10).
When asked whether the timing would work in favour or against Perikatan, Muhyiddin said the people were ready for it.
"I would say that the rakyat are facing a lot of problems but I think they want to exercise their right as voters to get a better government, a government that will take care of them.
"This is an opportunity for the people to make a change so that they get a government that is trustworthy, has integrity and is responsible," he said.
Muhyiddin said the voter turnout was expected to be low but he hoped that would not happen.
"We pray there will not be severe floods that may hinder the people from coming out to vote. We don't want that to happen but this is the reality and we will face it," he said.
On candidates, Muhyiddin said the Perikatan component parties had already started drawing their list of names to be fielded.
"For Bersatu, we will ask the divisions to submit names. We have a committee that will filter and decide who is suitable.
"Their background, qualification, relationship with the community, acceptance by the people and the efforts they have put in will all be taken into consideration," said Muhyiddin, who is the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president.
He said Perikatan would follow the principle of retaining incumbency of seats won by the respective parties.
"There's no need to negotiate on those seats. The ones that need to be negotiated are the seats that have overlapping of interests from our parties," he said.
Muhyiddin also said the cooperation between the Perikatan component parties was close and the coalition's election machinery would be organised under the single name of Perikatan.
