PM hints general election ‘round the corner’

KOTA KINABALU - Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak gave the strongest hint yet that the general election may be around the corner on the first day of his visit to Sabah yesterday.

Hinting it might be his last visit to the state before the election, the Prime Minister asked leaders of Barisan Nasional component parties to clear the problems of the grassroot.

In an hour-long closed door meeting with state Barisan leaders, Najib, who is also Barisan chairman, reiterated the importance of zero problem in the constituencies as the coalition was keen to field winnable candidates to ensure victory.

According to leaders who attended the meeting, Najib spoke of unity and also explained to them about the opposition's tactics to use the July 9 rally to wrest political momentum from Barisan which has been winning a string of by-elections.

PBS president Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan said the message was for every party in Barisan to be prepared and work on the ground for the election.

“In fact, the prime minister said this might be his last visit to the state (before the election).”

“It may or may not be this year but it is still possible it will this year,” Pairin said.

He said the Prime Minister stressed on the need for winnable candidates, adding that as far PBS was concerned, it was ready for the election anytime.

Sabah Barisan secretary Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan said the Prime Minister's key concept for the coalition was to field winnable candidates and reminded the wakil rakyat to continue to be close to the people.

“He reminded us about the need to work hard to win the hearts of the people,” he said.

Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup also said Najib had stressed on the need for component parties to be prepared for the election.

“As far as my party is concerned, we are prepared even if the election is called next week,” he said.

Najib later attended a 1Malaysia dinner at the historic Padang Merdeka where he was joined by various community and business leaders.

- The Star