Khairy decides govt is not ready for election

18th Feb 2007 NSTP Prime News, Page 2

No elections anytime soon, says Khairy

Datuk Seri Khairy Jamaluddin announced today that:

"The government is unlikely to call for a general election anytime soon".

UMNO Chief Khairy Jamaluddin said various factors had to be taken into account, not just the current strong economic situation.

"Other factors such as politics, the country’s development and issues outside the party have also to be considered."

According to Khairy, certain parties may think that the time is now right for a general election because of the current economic situation.

"However, others may think why call for an election when Barisan Nasional is only into its third year of its five-year term."

Khairy also said Umno Youth was ready to face a general election and was focusing on efforts to get members to register as voters. Datuk Seri Khairy also urged all Umno members to take seriously his deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s reminder that Umno leaders and members must always be close to the people and to set aside internal differences in preparation of a general election.

"We need to enhance solidarity in the party and reduce problems, not just within Umno but also within BN."

The Barisan component party leaders should be having discussions with him soon to consult with him the strategy and machineries in preparation for the coming general election.

It was observed that Khairy still did not have the inspiration yet and UMNO leaders and Barisan leaders must get themselves prepared when he could, all of a sudden, have an distinct inspiration from nowhere; otherwise it would be just hallucination, for the time being.

Pak Lah said the economic indicators for Malaysia were positive with trade surpassing RM1trillion. But though he is confident and positive, he may have to discuss with Khairy about the election timing and wait for inspiration.