PUTRAJAYA: Holding a general election soon would be an irresponsible move, says Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

       He said the recent increase in Covid-19 hospitalisations, coupled with the emergence of the B.1.1.529 variant, meant that it would not be a good idea to hold the 15th General Election (GE15) soon.

       “The Health Ministry is of the view that the general election is something that can be avoided.

       "This is unlike the Sarawak election which has to be organised, and the Melaka election which was called following the state assembly’s dissolution.

       “The number of Covid-19 cases is still at a worrying level and the hospitalisations are going up. On top of that, a new variant has just emerged.

       “It will be irresponsible to hold the general election now.

       “The ministry will strongly advise against holding a general election anytime soon,” he told a press conference here on Friday (Nov 26).

       The current Parliament term does not expire until 2023, but many quarters are speculating that snap polls may happen.

       Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had recently called for GE15 to be held soon.

       Meanwhile, on the upcoming Sarawak election, Khairy said the ministry is still discussing standard operating procedures (SOP) with the state government.

       Sarawak will go to the polls on Dec 18, with Dec 6 set as nomination day.