Tok Mat: Now is the best time to hold GE15

KUALA LUMPUR: The best time to hold the 15th General Election is now, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic).

The Umno deputy president said that he had presented the party's position in a report during the last Umno general assembly.

"As far as the party is concerned, to us now is the best time. The window is now, that is the party’s position," he said during a press conference after launching a forum at the party headquarters on Wednesday (May 11).

He was asked when is the most suitable time to hold GE15.

However, Mohamad Hasan said such a decision would be totally up to the Prime Minister, as only he can advise the King on the dissolution of Parliament.

"I suppose the Prime Minister has his own views and other considerations. Perhaps he is waiting for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Opposition to expire on July 31 to honour his word," said Mohamad Hasan.

"We will wait until July 31st and then discuss this," he added.

Mohamad said that the party would discuss the issue with the Prime Minister and not pressure him.

"Although he is the party vice-president, he is also the Prime Minister. Those are two different positions. He must have his own considerations. We think this is the best time because the Opposition is in disarray," he said.

The government and Pakatan leaders had signed the MOU on bipartisan cooperation and political stability on Sept 13 last year.

Under the MOU, the government, among others, agreed not to dissolve Parliament before July 31, to allow for a period of political stability.