Noraini to Zahid: Make wise decision on right timing for GE

 

Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad has called for party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the supreme council to make a wise decision on the right timing of the next general election (GE).

While noting that the women's wing will go all out and is ready if the party is to call for national polls, she however reminded that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on transformation and political stability inked between the government and Pakatan Harapan will only expire on July 31.

"Based on our successes, we can see that our supporters are enthusiastic to face the next GE. However, we must realise that the people are watching and monitoring us.

"Responding to the call of party deputy president Mohamad Hasan on the right timing to call for the (next) election, Wanita Umno is always ready, any time.

"But at the same time, we also need to take into account that the MOU signed between the government and the opposition bloc, will be valid until July 31. It is not long (from now), so any action and decision we are going to make must be prudent, mature and wise," said the higher education minister.

"The women's wing, however, trusts that the party president and the supreme council will make the best decision," she added.

While launching Umno's wings annual assembly yesterday, Mohamad reiterated that there was no reason to delay the snap polls.

Mohamad said the legitimacy of the ruling government continues to be questioned as it was not an elected government or formed through an election victory but instead a government formed through political games.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan

PM under pressure

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob came under pressure to call for snap polls after the party won with a landslide majority in the recently concluded state elections of Malacca and Johor.

The Umno annual general assembly which started yesterday is seen as the platform for the largest ruling party to decide on the timing of the general election.

However, it is not in Ismail Sabri's interest to hold early polls as he may not be reappointed as the prime minister. He pushed back against calls for an early election, stating that it is only favoured by a small group.

The Umno vice-president also opened the door to extending the MOU with the opposition to prolong the life span of his fragile government.

Zahid slammed the proposal to extend the MOU. He could also use this week's Umno general assembly to force Ismail Sabri's hand.

Pushback is expected from those aligned with Ismail Sabri. Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, for example, discouraged an early general election, citing the Covid-19 pandemic. - Mkini