Umno discusses possible snap polls but no talk on seat allocation

Umno has discussed the course it would take on the possible snap polls, said party supreme council member Annuar Musa.

He, however, said that was a general discussion without further touching on the seat allocation for the polls.

"That (snap polls) was just early speculation [...] So, no discussion on the seat allocation," he said.

"The discussion generally touched on the party's position, direction, ways to strengthen its status as well the agenda that we should set as a core party for Malays and Islam. We also listened to various views including those from the party advisor (Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah)," he told the media after the Supreme Council Meeting yesterday.

Earlier, Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who attended the wing's meeting, expressed that they were ready for the possible snap polls to take place anytime.

"At this stage, whatever voiced by the youth wing in relation to the people's welfare has been given attention during the Covid-19 (pandemic). "

"This is among our focus, not only the issue related to the instability of the government today in the context (whether we should) gear up for the polls anytime.

"The way we look at it, this government could be threatened by Pakatan Harapan which continuously plays up with the sentiment of confidence against the government led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin," he said.

While noting it is better to call for polls after the Covid-19 pandemic is over, he, however, said it is unavoidable for Umno Youth if it is called earlier.

"Due to continuous distraction and pressure from the opposition, especially Pakatan Harapan, which is obstructing the stability of the government of the day," he said.

"So, in the end, if it is destined that the premier dissolves (parliament) because he is left with no choice due to a no-confidence vote, the wing will mobilise its machinery nationwide," he said.

Last week, Singapore's Straits Times reported Muhyiddin might call for snap elections by year-end after tabling an "election budget".

It was reported that Perikatan Nasional parties have agreed not to contest against each other in the next election and that Umno and Bersatu have formed a technical committee to iron out seat allocations on June 7.

Conversely, non-PN parties are not in favour of fresh polls as they currently believe they have the numbers to form a new government but are stuck haggling over who gets to be prime minister. - Mkini