BN willing to wade through floods to campaign for GE15: Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR – Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has hinted that it is “compulsory” for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to dissolve Parliament after tabling Budget 2023 this October.

Zahid issued a strong reminder to the prime minister to call the 15th general election (GE15) this year as it is the desire of BN’s leadership in each state, especially among grassroot members of Umno and the coalition. 

The BN machinery, he said, is also prepared, should GE15 be held this November – when the nation faces the flood season. 

“The prime minister heard the word ‘bubar’ (dissolution) clearly. I am sure he (Ismail Sabri) will receive real and clear guidance. God willing, he won’t have to wait for long,” he said in his speech at the launch of BN Youth’s election machinery here today.  

“We know that October 7 is the date for the tabling of the budget. Do what is appropriate after the presentation and make sure it has good ‘goodies’. 

“This means the concern of the prime minister and the government towards the youth of various races. 

“We know there is a (possibility of) floods, but we are willing to wade through floods to campaign. During the floods, our youth, women’s, and women’s youth wings work on the ground more than other parties… we are willing to campaign when there is flooding or heavy rain.”

In the meantime, Zahid – who is also Umno’s president – revealed that no date has been set for GE15 although discussions have been held. 

“It is true that the top five (in Umno’s leadership) gave us a mandate to discuss. We have already discussed this matter several times, but the date has not been set yet… the prime minister should not discuss or wait any longer because the instigators are working hard.

“(Opposition parties) are slanderous. Don’t wait for the issue to be dominated by them. Don’t wait too long, it’ll be taken by them.” – The Vibes, September 17, 2022