Ahmad Zahid: GE15 likely this year, PM will consult Umno on timing

PETALING JAYA: The much-anticipated 15th General Election is likely to be held this year, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Barisan Nasional chairman said the Prime Minister might have a different expectation but the latter will definitely consult with Umno's top five leaders.

ALSO READ: Wanita BN convention calls for 30% seat allocation for women in GE15

"I am confident that he is a party man and he knows the best timing," said the Umno president in his closing speech at the Wanita Barisan convention Sunday (Aug 14).

Ahmad Zahid added that Barisan should not delay holding the general election as more issues could crop up in the future.

ALSO READ: Wanita BN Convention: GE15 a hard slog but women's wing has been inspirational, says PM

"We know that they (the Opposition) want to turn up the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project issue like the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue during the 14th General Election.

"But they are making a mistake, because we have countered it immediately," he said.

ALSO READ: Wanita BN Convention: RM80bil in subsidies, aid kept inflation down, says PM

Citing another example, he said that he had faced a similar issue when the Opposition accused that a navy submarine was unable to be submerged under water, while he was holding the defence minister post.

"I invited Lim Guan Eng (Bagan MP) to be on board the submarine to rebut the allegations.

"When I asked him whether it can submerge, he replied ‘yes yes’," said Ahmad Zahid, adding that the Opposition will always try to create negative perception against Barisan.

Ismail Sabri had said he will dissolve Parliament once a study could provide some reassurance that the coalition has a chance to emerge victorious from GE15.