KUALA LUMPUR: The timing of the 15th general election (GE15) was one of the topics discussed in today's cabinet meeting, although the upcoming monsoon season took centrestage.
Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim confirmed this, saying that cabinet ministers had also discussed other matters.
"Matters regarding the dissolution of parliament and the general election are in the Prime Minister's hands so it is better to wait for him.
"There was a discussion (about GE15's date) but there were also other issues discussed.
"We talked in length about our preparation in facing the floods in October, November and December," he said when contacted.
However, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said there was no mention about GE15 in today's meeting.
Instead, he said, the focus was given to the flood preparation given that it is expected to happen as early as October, according to reports by the Meteorological Department.
"There is no signal on when GE15 will be held. There was nothing mentioned about the election in the meeting.
"We discussed preparations to face flood. It is expected early in October.
"Nadma (National Disaster Management Agency) and all related agencies like the Welfare (Department) have started their preparations.
"The gazettement of the temporary relief centres has also begun," he told the New Straits Times.
Asked if he thought it was safe for the country to go for GE15 amid an expected flood crisis, Takiyuddin said it may work for certain locations.
"That will depend on places that are not affected by the flood. But, even then, all the related agencies like the police will be mobilised to work at locations that are affected by the flood.
"For us, it is better not to have it (GE15) now since there is already an indication that the floods will happen earlier this year."
On Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the cabinet would discuss calling the GE15 early during today's meeting.
He said Wednesday's meeting would allow cabinet members, who represent various political parties, to share their views on the matter.
Previously, Ismail Sabri said he has yet to meet with Umno's top five leaders to discuss GE15 and that a meeting would be held "very soon".
Last Friday, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the "top five" meeting would be held on Sept 30 after the initial meeting for Sept 17 was postponed.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave for New York today to attend the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (77th UNGA) this week.
He will join world leaders from more than 150 countries who began gathering in the city since Tuesday after the pandemic Covid-19 forced them to address the annual assembly virtually for the past two years.