They said such claims are irresponsible and would lead to political instability.
The MPs also reminded Bersatu that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, had warned MPs against causing any political instability in his maiden address to the Dewan Rakyat last February.
Jelutong MP RSN Rayer said Bersatu’s talk about a snap election went against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree, adding that the party is not serving as a “constructive opposition force” under the country’s parliamentary system.
“They’ve run out of ideas. Every day, they sit and discuss how to create instability,” he said.
Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan also said there was no need for a snap election at the end of the year as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government is stable.
“My advice to Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional (PN) is to focus more on the rakyat and the country … stop talking endlessly about elections. Such nonsense does not bring any benefit,” said the DAP lawmaker.
Barisan Nasional’s Kinabatangan MP Bung Moktar Radin also questioned Bersatu’s push for a snap election, pointing out that Parliament can only be dissolved for a general election with the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“I am confused. Usually, it’s the leaders of the ruling government who call for a snap election … but in this case, it’s the opposition. This can be considered political provocation,” said the Sabah Umno chief.
Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof said Bersatu does not have any valid reasons to call for a general election.
“I think Bersatu is in a weak position, so perhaps this is their way of reviving their dormant machinery,” said the Selangor Pakatan Harapan vice-chairman.
Segamat MP R Yuneswaran from PKR claimed that Bersatu is trying to divert attention from internal divisions within the party by talking about the possibility of a snap election.
In contrast to his colleagues in the government bloc, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim said there was nothing extraordinary about preparing for a snap election as party leaders are duty-bound to always remind the party’s machinery to be ready.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali said Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin had ordered the party’s machinery to be mobilised immediately in preparation for a potential snap general election at the end of the year.
Azmin said Muhyiddin issued the directive during a Bersatu meeting on Friday which also discussed “very encouraging developments” following a meeting among Bersatu and PAS’s top leadership.
During Bersatu’s annual general meeting last November, Azmin also urged party members to prepare for the possibility of snap polls before the government’s term ends in 2027.