For Umno, this is the right time to hold GE15 - Tok Mat

KUALA LUMPUR: This is the right time to hold the 15th General Election (GE15), said Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He said this was because Umno was now in the best position to face the national polls.

"This is the best time to hold a general election," he told a press conference after opening the Umno Aspirations Discourse at Menara Dato Onn here today.

He said for Umno, this was the best time to hold the GE15 but the decision for the dissolution of Parliament is in the hands of the Prime Minister who will advise the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.

"That is the Prime Minister's decision because we understand he has his considerations, maybe he will wait until the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the government and the opposition expires on July 31.

"The Prime Minister has made a promise and he wants to fulfil it," he said.

Mohamad stressed that Umno wanted to face GE15 in a position where the Barisan Nasional component party was strong and not divided due to party polls.

He acknowledged that the party polls would to some extent 'hurt' the party.

"Umno does not want to face GE15 when the party is in turmoil as a result of the (party) polls and is seen to be divided.

"As a person given the trust together with the President, I will not allow this party to face the election in a mess.

"I will make sure that Umno faces the general election in a stable position as a (united) team and wins," he said.

Mohamad stressed that after winning the general election, anyone in the party can offer to run for office in the party.

"After winning, whoever wants to contest against the President, Deputy President and other positions, please (do).

"What is important now is that Umno wants to recapture Putrajaya. If Umno wins, the Malays win.

"If Umno loses GE15, then it will be like the 22 months where Malays were insulted and 'traders' in their own country," he said.

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