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

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional cannot underestimate the Opposition bloc which may already be planning its steps to return to power, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“I would like to stress that we cannot look down on our opponents who possibly may have drafted their plans to reconquer Putrajaya,” he said in his speech at the Wanita Barisan Nasional convention here on Sunday (Aug 14).

“We are facing an uphill battle,” he added.

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He said the convention was important as the country may be facing the 15th General Election (GE15) at any time.

He added that it is important for the coalition's Wanita machinery to be strengthened and to form new strategies to face the challenging political scenario.

Although new political fronts may take shape to challenge Barisan in GE15, Ismail Sabri said he is confident that the coalition will return to power in the next polls.

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He said his confidence is inspired by the spirit of the women’s wing.

He said there have been repeated attacks on the government, and the response to this onslaught is also very important.

“The attack on the government today is an attack on the Barisan leadership. Therefore, it is our responsibility to explain the real issues,” he said.

He also wanted Wanita Barisan to conduct a thorough study to assess the mood on the ground for the coming polls.

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

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“We cannot go to war in the dark. We don’t know our strengths. How do we get voters on polls day if we don’t have this survey?” he said.

He said Barisan cannot just rely on votes from its members.

“Barisan Nasional’s membership is only about 30% (of the population). The rest are not with us and there are some who may be on the fence,” he said.

GE15 must be called by July next year at the latest.