ISKANDAR PUTERI: It is still too early to name a Prime Minister candidate for the next general election, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman and Umno president, pointed out that it was still unclear when Parliament would be dissolved.
“It is too early to name someone for the position as the election could still be a long way off, or it could be near.
"We do not know when Parliament will be dissolved. I think we should put the matter aside for now.
"We should focus on facing the Melaka state election first, and after that, we can discuss matters related to the Federal level,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, told reporters this after officiating the closing ceremony of the National Orang Asli Sports Carnival at the EduCity Sports Complex here on Sunday (Sept 6).
He was responding to a question about PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s remarks that the party had its own candidate for the prime minister’s post in GE16.
Asked about negotiations involving Barisan ahead of the Melaka state election, Ahmad Zahid said discussions would only take place after the state assembly was dissolved.
“As I have said, the negotiations will only take place after the dissolution of the Melaka state assembly,” he said.
On Friday (Sept 4), Abdul Hadi reportedly said that PAS had a prime ministerial candidate from among its leaders for the 16th general election but that it was not yet time to reveal the individual's identity.
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POLITICS
