THERE is no time like the present, at least when the next general election is concerned, according to UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
According to Malay daily Berita Harian, the former Negri Sembilan menteri besar said that it is crucial to seize the opportunity to “strike” as the Opposition bloc in in “total disarray” and that UMNO is currently in the best position to face the 15th general election (GE15).
“As far as the party is concerned, now is the right time to hold the GE15. However, the decision to dissolve the Parliament lies in the hands of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who will advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said in a press conference at Menara Datuk Onn in Kuala Lumpur today (May 11).
“That is the Prime Minister’s decision because we understand that he has his own considerations. Maybe he will wait until the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Government and the Opposition expires on July 31.”
The MOU signed by the Government and PH stipulates that the Parliament will not be dissolved before July 31 this year in order to allow for a period of political stability.
On the matter of party polls, the Rantau assemblyperson stressed that UMNO wanted to face GE15 as a strong party and not one that is divided due to party polls which he conceded would hurt the party.
“UMNO does not want to face GE15 when the party is in turmoil due to party elections and is seen to be divided,” he was reported as saying.
“I will make sure that UMNO faces the general election in a stable condition as a team and wins.”
Mohamad, who is better known as Tok Mat, further noted that after winning the general election anyone in the party can offer to run for UMNO posts.
“After winning, whoever wants to contest against the president, deputy president and for other positions, please do so,” he declared.
“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.” – May 11, 2022
