JOHOR BARU: Bersatu’s suggestion that a snap election could be held at the end of the year is nothing more than a political gimmick, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
“They have nothing else to say, so they are deliberately making these claims just to attract attention.
“All political parties are always prepared, but holding elections every two or three years will not help the country progress. This is just a political gimmick,” the Umno vice-president said when met by reporters after the Umno Political School Akademi Jaya Bersama launching ceremony at the Umno Johor headquarters here on Saturday (Feb 8) night.
Mohamed Khaled, who is also the Defence Minister, added that the current government has many priorities and remains focused on serving the people.
“We will use the mandate we have to develop the country and move it forward.
“There are many government programmes that have just started, and we are still waiting to see the results of some of these initiatives,” he added.
Meanwhile, Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros said Bersatu’s statement was merely an attempt to disrupt Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s reform agenda.
“There are many new policies and initiatives we want to introduce under the current unity government, and their statement is just a provocation meant to derail those plans.
“They are trying to gauge our reaction, but in reality, none of the government leaders are even discussing an election.
“Our focus in Umno right now is ensuring that our ministers perform well and continue serving the people,” he said.
Earlier, Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali stated in a Facebook post that the party is preparing for a possible snap election at the end of the year.
He added that all Bersatu machinery at the parliament and state must be mobilised.
