Best time to hold GE is now, says Mat Hasan

 

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has declared that there is no time like the present to hold a general election.

According to a report by Berita Harian, the former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar said that Umno was now in the best position to face the 15th general election (GE15).

"For the party, this is the best time to hold GE15. However, the decision to dissolve this Parliament lies in the hands of Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob who will advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"That is the prime minister's decision because we understand he has his own considerations.

“Maybe he will wait until the memorandum of understanding between the government and the opposition expires on July 31,” he said in a press conference at Menara Dato Onn in Kuala Lumpur today.

"The prime minister has made a promise and he definitely wants to fulfil it," Mohamad added.

Win GE15 first, then compete for party posts

The Rantau assemblyperson stressed that Umno, which has been tainted by scandals, wanted to face GE15 as a strong party, not one divided due to party polls, which he said would hurt Umno.

"Umno does not want to face GE15 when the party is in turmoil due to this (party) election and is seen to be divided.

"I will make sure that Umno faces the general election in a stable condition as a team and wins," he added.

Mohamad also stressed that after winning the general election, anyone in the party can offer to run for Umno posts.

"After winning, who wants to contest against the president, deputy president and for other positions, please do.

"What is important now is that Umno wants to recapture Putrajaya. If Umno wins, the Malays will win.

"If Umno loses GE15, then it will be like the 22 months where Malays became insulted and 'traders' in their own country," he said in an apparent reference to the Pakatan Harapan administration led by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Despite a number of party leaders facing corruption charges, Umno has enjoyed sweeping wins in recent state polls in Johor and Malacca. - Mkini