Call polls after Raya, Dr M tells Najib

Dr Mahathir said there was risk involved no matter when polls are held. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad suggested today the general election be held “anytime after (Hari) Raya” despite Umno appearing bullish on having polls as soon as possible.

The former prime minister has repeatedly urged Datuk Seri Najib Razak to delay polls and shore up support for the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) first.

But Umno’s 66th anniversary last Friday saw a fiery speech by the prime minister calling on at least 50,000 supporters to ensure “uncivilised enemies” do not “destroy the country.”

When asked if Malaysia may be affected by the European financial crisis after the Aidilfitri celebration in August, Dr Mahathir said, “everything depends on some degree of risk”.

“You have to take that risk. But if you think it’s better to wait, then wait. If you don’t think it’s better to wait, then don’t wait,” he told reporters today after receiving the award for National Reading Icon 2012 here.

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