PM: Decision on GE15 will be discussed by Umno's Top 5

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno's top five leaders will make a decision regarding the party's intention to push for early polls, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Umno vice-president said he had listened to the Umno General Assembly debates and acknowledged the calls by delegates for Parliament to be dissolved soon.

"The two massive wins in the Melaka and Johor election has given us more motivation to continue fighting.

"This has led to demands for Parliament to be dissolved immediately.

"I hear all the calls from the debaters on this. I give my assurance that this will be discussed by the party’s top five.

"If we can be sure of winning, we wouldn’t even wait another second to call for an election," said Ismail Sabri, in his winding up speed at the Umno General Assembly.

The Umno "Top Five" refers to president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and the three vice presidents - Ismail Sabri, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin.

Ismail Sabri added that the matter will also be discussed in the Umno Supreme Council and the Cabinet before it is presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to be consented.

Meanwhile, the party’s deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan said that after listening to the debates from delegations including the party's wings, Umno was ready to face the polls.

"The Top Five will hold discussions to decide when the general election should be done while the party is in the 'feel-good' moment.

"However, five of us will be enough. We don’t need to have too many people in the discussion," he said, adding that the group has always been staying united.

Mohamad, known as Tok Mat, also said that the general election should not be delayed any longer, in fear of the Opposition reuniting and becoming an obstacle for Umno and Barisan Nasional.

"We won in the recent state polls in Melaka in Johor just because the Opposition was not united.

"Do not wait for them (the Opposition) to rise again and reunite to form a bigger team and fight us," he said, adding that their only goal was to ensure Umno to helm the country’s administration.

Tok Mat also added that the party’s constitution would be amended to postpone internal elections within six months after the general election.

He said that it was to avoid further divides among the party members, and instead focus on winning the next general election to rule the country.

The current parliament term expires in June 2023.

The Umno assembly has heard loud calls by leaders and delegates for the general election to be called as soon as possible.