KUALA LUMPUR – Umno has renewed calls for the general election to be called immediately, warning that more delays will see the opposition continuing its attacks and spins, which will lead to Barisan Nasional’s (BN) defeat at the polls.
Party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government is giving the opposition more ammunition to attack the BN coalition by delaying the polls even though Umno leadership and grassroots have repeatedly pushed for a snap election.
“This is why none of the opposition lawmakers are pushing for the dissolution of Parliament. But they make fun of the fact that the government does not have a mandate, being a ‘backdoor’ administration,” he said in a statement today.
He also pointed to Pejuang founder Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s recent interview with the Associated Press, saying his rival admitted that the opposition was not united, giving the opportunity for an Umno victory.
“He (Dr Mahathir) had to admit that an early election is good for a prepared government as the opposition is not ready.
“Expedite the general election, or Umno and BN will stand to lose. Let there be no regrets.”
Zahid’s reiteration comes amid Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s one year as prime minister, who has held off calling for an election amid the rising cost of living, among others.
The Umno president, who is currently on trial for corruption, had said holding an election next year was a bad idea, due to economic factors and a possible rise in inflation.
“I am confident that it will be held this year, because many indicators point in that direction. I think it is most suitable for us to hold it (GE15) this year,” he said after officiating the closing of the Wanita BN convention at the World Trade Centre here on August 14.
He said BN has begun preparations for GE15 at all levels and plans to compete with an underdog spirit to ensure that the party machinery will do their best to gain voter support.
Meanwhile, Zahid said BN must be quick to fight the opposition over accusations, especially on social media, on issues such as the littoral combat ships to stop them from “killing” the coalition. – The Vibes, August 20, 2022
