KUALA LUMPUR – Coalition chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today rallied delegates at the Barisan Nasional (BN) convention in pressuring Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to call for a snap general election.
Delivering his policy speech in the presence of Ismail Sabri, Zahid said the coalition is prepared to face the national polls as soon as possible.
Addressing the crowd comprising Umno, MCA, MIC, and PBRS members, he first asked if they agreed to holding the general election next year, to which he received a muted response.
He then rallied the crowd when he asked if they wanted the polls to be in the near future.
“I want to see how many of you support this call?” he said to rapturous applause.
“The prime minister has said he will discuss this with Umno’s top five. PM, we trust you, do it as soon as possible. PM, we are ready to face the general election.”
His remark comes just a day after Ismail Sabri indicated that the election might not be held anytime soon, citing inflation and the rising cost of living.
Zahid and other party leaders aligned to him have been pushing for an election to be held soon to capitalise on a weak opposition.
Earlier in his speech, Ismail Sabri acknowledged the calls to expedite the national polls, and said he would be discussing the matter with Umno and BN’s top leaders soon before making a decision.
Zahid similarly said he would be deliberating the matter with the prime minister, but urged members to be prepared for any eventuality, with the current parliamentary term entering its fifth and final year.
“The 14th general election took place over four years ago, meaning GE15 can be held anytime now. BN cannot be complacent. Preparations for the election must be at the final stages.”
The Bagan Datuk MP added that beginning mid-June, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan will lead a team to monitor the preparation of BN machineries in all states.
“I want BN’s election committee at every level to be activated with immediate effect.” – The Vibes, June 1, 2022
