Tuesday March 13, 2007
Abdullah waiting for 'feel good' factor to get even better
By ROYCE CHEAH
KUALA LUMPUR: The General Elections will not be held just yet, not until the “feel good” factor becomes even better, said Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Answering queries from reporters after chairing a Barisan Supreme Council meeting yesterday, Abdullah refused to set a date for elections and said he would never reveal what he wants to do.
Earlier, in his briefing to the press, Abdullah said the economy was doing well, remained strong and resilient with many domestic sectors growing, and that there was a general “feel good” atmosphere.
However, when asked if such conditions were an indication that the polls would be called, Abdullah said:
“The feel-good factor is better now than before, but when (it is time to call an) election, it should be an even better feeling.”
Asked if he was ruling out an election this year, the Prime Minister said: “You want to know, I never reveal what I want to do. Cannot, cannot tell you.”
Abdullah was also asked if Barisan was ready for an election this year since opposition parties have already started to gear up for it.
He said the coalition was ready to face them anytime.
“It is normal to speculate, everyone wants to talk about it but this does not mean I will set a date for an election.
“When it is held is not that important. What is more important is that there is still a lot more to do to fulfilour promises made to the people in the last elections in 2004.”
Abdullah said not all that was promised in the 2004 manifesto could be carried out within five years but that it had to be continued throughout until the goal of Vision 2020 was achieved.
“However we are quite aware of what we have promised and it is extremely important that programmes under the 9th Malaysia Plan are implemented as scheduled so that the people benefit.”
Abdullah added that plans for the next 50 years were also discussed during the meeting and this meant continuing the goals set for Vision 2020 and beyond.
“We have talked about Vision 2020, but there is a need to look to the future. We need to look forward to 2057 for the future generation.
“It is the younger generation that will play the role of influencing the development of the nation in the future,” he said.
Abdullah said ways the country could develop further include promoting unity, the spirit of muhibbah and religious tolerance.
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