Viral GE14 date pic real but polls might not be June 30

A picture of a signboard at an Umno division office claiming that the 14th general election is less than 200 days away has caused alarm when it circulated online.

When contacted, Subang Umno division secretary Mohd Rashidi Mohamad confirmed the picture is authentic.

However, Subang Umno division chief Zein Isma Ismail said this does not mean elections is only three months away.

“The notice ‘GE14 178 days away’ is based on our own deadline to ensure that all Umno divisions are prepared,” Zein said.

Apparently, the deadline set is June 30 - mere days after Hari Raya Aidilfitri which is expected to fall on June 26 and after a long school holiday.

Zein said the sign was to remind the grassroots to get ready for the polls but even the party does not know when it will be called.

“Even I don’t know,” he said.

The picture has been widely circulated through the telephone application WhatsApp, raising speculation that the election date has been set.- Mkini