DPM suggests polls likely to be held soon after CNY

BAGAN DATUK: A reference by Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that “a big day” will come after Chinese New Year has fired up the imaginations of some.

“Don’t forget our big day will come, after the Chinese New Year there will be another big day.

“If voters made a mistake before, it is okay, I forgive.

“If possible, don’t repeat the mistake this time,” said the Deputy Prime Minister as reported by Bernama yesterday.

Dr Ahmad Zahid had given a hint that the general election would likely be held soon after Chinese New Year next year, added Bernama.

The Home Minister and MP for Bagan Datuk appeared to have touched on this when opening the Teoh Fu Kiong Temple in Hutan Melintang here yesterday morning, said the national news agency.

Dr Ahmad Zahid is the Barisan Nasional deputy chairman.

Chinese New Year falls on Feb 16 and 17. The current parliamentary term expires on June 26, 2018 which means GE14 must be called within 60 days from that date.

“The Government is a caring one and understands religious differen­ces. Although our constitution states that Islam is the religion of the federation, non-Muslims are free to practise their respective religions.

“It means the Government is fair and respects all religions in the country because Islam teaches us to respect other religions,” he said.

Meanwhile, RAHIMY RAHIM reported that political and economical affairs analyst Prof Hoo Ke Ping said if the general election is conducted soon after the Chinese New Year period, it would be favourable to Barisan Nasional.

“This is mainly because young Chinese voters who already came back to celebrate Chinese New Year will most likely not return to vote.

“They make up about 20-30% of the total Chinese voters and this will benefit Barisan.

“Most of them will not come back from Singapore, Taiwan and China, among others,” he said, adding that most of them voted against Barisan in the previous general election.