KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi looked at the audience, comprising Umno, MCA, MIC and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) members, and asked if they wanted the general election to be held this year.
The response? A resounding yes and rapturous applause.
Turning to Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, he said: “Prime Minister, we trust you. We are ready. Let’s do it as soon as possible.”
The Barisan Nasional coalition looks to have “reinvented” itself and is now ready to face the general election, with all four partners to discuss possible polls date.
As calls for the general election grow, coalition chairman Ahmad Zahid has told the partners to be ready, adding that he would talk to the Prime Minister on the matter.
Ismail Sabri, when addressing the crowd at Barisan’s 48th anniversary and convention, assured members that he would not delay the polls when the time comes.
“I will also rope in component parties in discussions to decide on the date for GE15,” he said.
Although the current parliamentary term ends in June next year, there are calls for the elections to be held as soon as possible.
On the “reinvented” Barisan, Ahmad Zahid said the coalition realises how crucial it is for them to make changes to woo voters, especially after the defeat in 2018.
“We have to make the changes and offer deals to keep existing voters on our side and shore up support from new and undecided voters,” he added.
The coalition is also working for the return of Malaysia Asal or Original Malaysia to bring about progress, harmony and unity in the country, claiming Pakatan Harapan’s “Malaysia Baru” slogan had failed to do so.
He said the coalition would work outside the old framework in terms of seat distribution formula for the polls.
“We will field more new faces. Barisan also needs to be more inclusive and open.
“It needs to be open for cooperation as long as they are in line with the Barisan principles of moderation,” said Ahmad Zahid.
He also said Barisan plans to restore the economy and put it back on the right track as a high income developed country and carry out reforms in terms of good governance and transparency in administration.
“We will ensure equitable economic distribution, improving all kinds of assistance to the people which should be based on needs, and not race,” he said.
On the Original Malaysia concept, Ahmad Zahid said Barisan’s formula drawn by the coalition and the country’s forefathers is already part of the Federal Constitution.
“We must bring back the Original Malaysia and not the failed New Malaysia rhetoric,” he said.
Barisan is committed to bringing back the Original Malaysia mould, pledging to bring about changes and improvement to rectify past weaknesses and mistakes, he added.
