BARISAN Nasional (BN) chairman Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi views that it is inappropriate to hold the 15th general election (GE15) next year, due to economic factors and a possible rise in inflation rate.

“I am confident that it will be held this year because there are many indicators pointing in that direction; I think it is most suitable for us to hold it (GE15) this year,” he said when met by reporters after officiating at the closing of Wanita BN Convention at the World Trade Centre today.

He said BN has begun preparations for GE15 at all levels with plans to compete as the underdog to ensure that the party machinery would do their best to gain voter support.

“We must strive for more than what we had achieved before. We will work to be dominant in (GE15) this time, even though we are the underdog being attacked from various sides,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zahid in his speech, said BN must be quick to fight the opposition over accusations, especially on social media relating to issues such as the littoral combat ships, to stop them from ‘killing’ BN. 

He said the BN machinery could not wait until the campaign period started to answer the issue.

“The role of the Wanita BN, Youth, Puteri, and BN Comms’ social media platforms is to respond immediately to all issues that are raised. Don’t wait. We need to anticipate,” he said.

In the meantime, Zahid said the party leadership was prepared to take up the resolutions presented by Wanita BN chairman Dr Noraini Ahmad at the convention today, as BN’s manifesto for GE15.

The resolutions include the establishment of a university and bank for women, the option and flexibility to work from home to be given to women with children up to two years old, and the amendment of Article 14(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution in relation to the citizenship of children whose mothers are citizens and fathers, foreigners.

Also present at the closing of the convention were BN vice chairmen Dr Wee Ka Siong and S. Vigneswaran, and secretary-general Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. – Bernama, August 14, 2022.