KUALA LUMPUR: The 15th General Election is nearing and could be held within months, says Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir.
Although there was more than a year to go before Parliament must be dissolved, Barisan was expecting a “major event” this year, he said.
He added that Barisan was ready for any eventuality, even if it meant the polls were to be held by the third quarter of the year.
“I don’t dismiss any possible dates, especially whether or not it will be the third or fourth quarter (of the year). We are now coming into Q3 and in a few months, it’s going to be Q4.
“I must state here that Barisan is prepared for any possibility,” he told senior editors at a Concorde Club forum held here yesterday.
Parliament’s current term will end on July 15, 2023. A general election will have to be called within 60 days of Parliament’s dissolution.
Zambry, a former Perak mentri besar, said during the Barisan Convention on June 1, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had given assurance that the timing of the next general election would be discussed with Umno’s top leaders and its component parties – MCA, MIC and PBRS.
Meeting of minds: Zambry (centre) with Star Media Group chief content officer Esther Ng (fourth from left), Star Media Group adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai (on Zambry’s left) and other senior editors at the Concorde Club forum held in Kuala Lumpur. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
“Barisan is prepared if the Prime Minister decides to hold the general election this year,” he reiterated.
Pressed on the dates of dissolving Parliament, Zambry said it was up to the Prime Minister.
“I can’t speak for the Prime Minister. But it could be during Q3 or Q4 this year. It all depends on the Prime Minister’s talks with the relevant party leadership,” he said.
Zambry said Umno’s Top Five – president, deputy president and three vice-presidents – had already met several times this year.
“Of course, it’s not purely based on election matters. We also discussed other matters,” he added.
Zambry said Barisan began election preparations several months back, adding that “early preparation is our tradition”.
“So now, we are moving forward with party activities and plans to strengthen the party,” he said.
Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had said on Monday that the best time to hold the 15th General Election would be after the tabling of Budget 2023 in October, but said the Federal Budget must be attractive to the people.
The Concorde Club is an informal gathering of journalists and opinion shapers with political and business leaders.
