He said voter turnout could be affected by the expected heavy rains and floods, if the polls are held by the end of the year.

“There is a need for an in-depth study on whether we should have an election this year or next year,” the federal territories minister said after handing over an appointment letter to the new CEO of Labuan Corporation, Rithuan Ismail, at Menara Perbadanan Labuan here today.

“If Parliament is dissolved and the floods hit some states, we need a caretaker (government) to tackle flood-related issues. So, there are pros and cons to having the election this year.”

Shahidan said he expected BN to retain at least six of the seven seats it currently held in the three federal territories.

He also called for Umno members at all levels to respond to negative comments on social media platforms that could jeopardise the party’s strength.

He said a special team had been tasked to rebut and respond to slander against Umno.