Commenting on a proposal by DAP MP Khoo Poay Tiong to declare an emergency to delay the upcoming Melaka state election, Muhyiddin said there is no good reason to postpone the polls.

“I don’t know his reason for asking for it to be postponed. I assume they are afraid that if elections are held now, they will lose,” he told reporters after a Hari Raya open house hosted by Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali in Gombak today.

“They will lose because the people are already angry about issues like fuel, diesel, and the rising cost of living.”

Muhyiddin, who is also the former chairman of Perikatan Nasional, said the opposition was ready to face elections at any time.

“Even now, we have started preparations at both the state and national levels. We have appointed a national election director, and so on,” he said.

Khoo, the Kota Melaka MP, said declaring an emergency to delay the state election was one of several approaches that could be considered.

He said the matter should be openly discussed, including the possibility of waiting until global conditions stabilise before holding elections.

He said the key question now is whether the present moment is truly suitable for an election.

The proposal drew criticism from various quarters, including Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh.

Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh had earlier confirmed that the state election is expected within six months, ahead of the state assembly term ending on Dec 30.
Umno Supreme Council member Ahmad Maslan also suggested delaying the Melaka and Johor state elections in light of global geopolitical uncertainties.

However, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Ahmad was only expressing his personal view and that the party did not share the same position on the matter.