On Wednesday, BN chairman Zahid said it would be “better” for GE16 to be held early. But he added that the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO)-led coalition is also prepared if Anwar opts to see out the government’s full five-year tenure.
Malaysia’s Berita Harian reported him as saying that BN must be prepared for the next nationwide polls by addressing the people’s concerns and to ensure that the coalition remains politically relevant.
Touching on whether BN preferred to work with PH or PN, Zahid stressed that his coalition must first weigh the pros and cons.
“We were willing to go solo in the Johor state election because of the political landscape there, but in Negeri Sembilan, we felt forming an alliance would be more beneficial,” he said.
“Political gains are what we are calculating in determining negotiations.”
Despite calls for an early general election, BN said that it remains committed to the unity government and Malaysia’s political stability.
BN secretary-general Zambry Abd Kadir – who is also the minister of higher education – added that BN’s calls for an earlier election should not be interpreted as confidence that the coalition would automatically regain federal power.
“The question of poking holes in the roof (tebuk atap) does not arise at all because we are committed to maintaining this government until an election date is announced,” he was quoted as saying by The Star.
Separately, Hadi said that PAS is ready for GE16, no matter when it is to be held.
“We are making preparations for GE16 and, God willing, we are ready in terms of our candidates.
“It is up to the government when GE16 will be held. We are fine with it being held sooner or later as we have experienced both. In Malaysia, we are not told in advance, unlike other countries,” he was quoted as saying by NST.
